Whitchurch's Belton Farm, based on t he outskirts of the town, are calling for more farmers to join their production as part of a million pound investment.

The farm, which makes award-winning British regional cheese, has announced a £1.25 million capital investment programme to upscale and upgrade further the capabilities of its dairy off the A41.

Justin Beckett, Managing Director, is delighted that the company is able to grow its size alongside its increasing reputation as a top-class cheese across the globe.

“This latest site investment is fully in line with our strategic growth plan," said Mr Beckett..

"It will enhance our production capabilities, increase our efficiencies and future proof the business.

"To complement our growth agenda, we’re now looking to recruit a small number of additional farmers to join our select milk producer group.

"We want farmers who wish to be part of a British family-owned dairy business that is growing and ambitious for the future, and who share our values and standards."

The move is set to complement the strong demand being experienced by Belton for its growing range of classic and contemporary British cheese both at home and overseas.

The major £1.25 million capital investment will deliver greater production flexibility and productivity in line with Belton’s strategic development plan.

It will include a significant upgrading of the dairy’s whey processing plant and milk standardisation capabilities.

The latest investment comes at a time when Belton Farm is experiencing a year of significant growth across a range of leading UK retailers, specialist cheesemongers and delicatessens customers.

While at the same time, it is also seeing strong export growth, particularly in the USA, driven by sales of its ‘Belton Farm’ and ‘Red & White Fox’ cheese brands across the Atlantic, with plwnty of awards.

With the investment programme commencing and further growth forecast, Belton is now looking to recruit additional milk producers to its 80-strong dedicated group of local dairy farmers.

The farm has been owned since 1922 by the Beckett family and cheese has been made at Belton Farm for nearly a century.

Any farmers interested in this opportunity to supply Belton Farm should call Chris Bradbury on telephone 01948 662125 or email chrisbradbury@beltonfarm.co.uk