Arla Foods has announced plans to close its Settle dairy factory by the end of 2026, putting 128 jobs at risk. The company intends to consolidate operations at its Lockerbie site in Scotland, where it plans to invest nearly £90 million and create 90 new jobs. Some production from Stourton, Leeds, will also move to Lockerbie, though no job losses are planned in Leeds.
The GMB union has called the closure a major blow to Settle’s workforce and local economy. Arla has begun a consultation process with employees, stating the move aligns with its strategy to modernise UK dairy production.
