Fowler Welch is set to take over transport operations at Dairy Crest’s national distribution centre (NDC) in Nuneaton from June.

Following the sale of its dairy business to Müller UK, Dairy Crest has revealed it is in discussions with the operator over a partnership that would see the site opened up to other customers.

Under the terms of the deal, Dairy Crest would continue to operate the warehouse and other site functions at Nuneaton including gatehouse, control room, customer services and stock management.

It will maintain control of storing and distributing its stable of brands too, which include Cathedral City cheese and Clover spreads.

Fowler Welch will also work with Dairy Crest to provide storage and network support to third-party manufacturers and growers throughout the Midlands region in a bid to fully utilise the NDC.

Subject to a consultation, around 100 Dairy Crest employees will move via Tupe across to Fowler Welch.

Mark Allen, chief executive of Dairy Crest, said: “Since the sale of our Dairies business in December 2015, we have been looking to work collaboratively with third parties to ensure the efficient use of our supply chain assets.

“We believe that by entering into this proposed strategic partnership with Fowler Welch we will have an attractive proposition for new and existing clients, that builds on the strengths and services of both organisations.”

Fowler Welch MD Nick Hay said: “We have worked with Dairy Crest to develop a unique solution that will allow both companies to maximise the value of the site. It is a clear demonstration of our philosophy of listening, responding and delivering.

“This will be a major milestone for us as we will have achieved our strategic goal of having a logistics platform in the Midlands offering manufacturers and growers national reach to all retailers on a shared-user basis.”

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