Arla Foods has announced plans to run Denmark’s Endrup Dairy co-op as a cheese maturing and packing centre.
The news secures nine jobs at Endrup, which suspended production in June, citing “long term economic problems”, and follows an agreement with Endrup Andelsmejeri and its creditors.
Arla, an international dairy co-op headquartered in Viby, Denmark, will also take on the obligations of Endrup’s 12 owners.
Production of several Endrup cheeses will move to Arla’s Tistrup Dairy, from where they will be transferred back to Endrup for maturing.
“I am pleased that we have found a solution, which means that Endrup Dairy can continue as a dairy with a focus on cheese storage and packing,” said Jakob Bernhard Knudsen, country manager for Arla’s operations in Denmark.
“It is a solution that benefits our customers who want the unique storage and tastes from Endrup, and that is also an economically sound solution for Arla and Arla shareholders.”
The news follows Arla’s merger in October with Swedish co-op Gefleortens, which saw it take over the brand and operation of the plant in Gävle and increase its presence in the country.
