One of Whitchurch's biggest companies has secured the short-term future of 10 staff after buying cheese packing equipment from a Wrexham company.

Belton Farm Cheese, which is off the A41 on the outskirts of the town, has purchased the cheese packing equipment, for an undisclosed sum, from Wrexham-based Bridgehead Food Partners Limited (Bridgehead Foods).

The purchase was agreed in conjunction with the liquidators of Bridgehead Foods following an announcement made at the end of November that it was to cease trading with immediate effect.

Justin Beckett, managing director of Belton Farm, is delighted with the deal and believes it would serve to strengthen what they offer their customers.

“The purchase provides us with the specialist capability to cut and pack our own traditional artisan British cheese," he said.

"It will ensure continuity of supply for our customers of cheese that was formerly packed by Bridgehead Foods and will complement the strong ongoing relationships we have with other cheese packers.

"Indeed, it should be stressed that, first and foremost, Belton Farm will remain focused on being an award-winning maker of great tasting classic and contemporary British cheese rather than being a major packer or consolidator.”

The purchase will ensure that the packing of Belton Farm speciality cheese, previously undertaken by Bridgehead Foods, will be maintained and importantly, secure continuity of supply for Belton’s customers.

The purchase of the cheese packing equipment will see the creation of Belton Packing & Logistics Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Belton Farm Group Limited which will operate from the existing Wrexham site. However, it will not impact on Belton Farm’s existing relationships with cheese packing suppliers who continue to their work.