Jobs created at dairy in Swanmore through £3.5m upgrade

Medina Dairy, a supplier of fresh milk, dairy and bakery products to the retail, convenience, wholesale and food service sectors, has started a major upgrade at Watson’s Dairy in Swanmore.

The investment will deliver greater operational flexibility and efficiencies. It will mean that the milk of 96 local dairy farmers will be processed at the dairy, securing the jobs of Watson’s 95 employees and resulting in the creation of up to 25 additional roles over the next six months.

Watson’s Dairy, which supplies major retailers including Sainsbury’s and Iceland Foods, will see a high speed filling line, automatic trolley packing and additional milk and cream silos put in.

The work will be completed by late spring this year.

Medina will also continue to develop its Watsons branded milk which is generating sales of in the region of £65m.

Managing director Mike Sheldon said: ‘Medina has already made strong progress winning major fresh milk supply contracts with the likes of Iceland Foods and Sainsbury’s, and this latest investment will enhance our offer to both existing and new customers.’