First Milk has announced its largest single capital investment project to date at its Lake District Creamery in Aspatria, Cumbria, reinforcing the co-operative's long-term commitment to British cheese production, its farmer members and the wider Cumbrian economy.

The £16.8 million investment project, which follows previous investment totalling £30m at the site in recent years, will see the existing cheese vats replaced with new, larger vats as part of a significant upgrade to the creamery's production capabilities. Once complete, the investment will increase production capacity by a further 20%.

The multi-million-pound project will span two financial years and is designed to support the efficient production of high-quality cheddar cheese and dairy ingredients, while strengthening the creamery's long-term operational resilience and future growth potential.

As one of the UK's leading cheddar manufacturing sites, Lake District Creamery plays an important role in both the regional economy and the British dairy supply chain, processing milk from First Milk farmer members and employing colleagues from across Cumbria.

Stefan Mason, Cheese Business Unit Director at  First Milk, said:

"This is a hugely important investment for First Milk and a clear demonstration of our long-term commitment to the Lake District Creamery, our farmer members and the wider Cumbrian economy.

"As a farmer-owned co-operative, we are focused on creating long-term value through efficient, resilient and high-quality dairy production. Increasing the capacity and capability of the site will help us meet growing market demand, strengthen operational performance and support future growth across the business.

"Lake District Creamery is a strategically important site for First Milk, and this investment ensures it remains well positioned for the future."

The announcement follows continued investment across First Milk's operations as part of its long-term strategy to build a resilient and regenerative dairy business. 

Lake District Creamery has also recently benefited from investments linked to First Milk's strategic whey protein partnership with Arla Foods Ingredients, supporting growing global demand for high-protein dairy products.