Jersey Dairy Moves to Pastures New
24/05/2010
Jersey Dairy has opened the doors to its new Trinity headquarters, marking the dawn of a new era in the Island's agricultural history.
The finishing touches to the modern, purpose-built plant have been made to complete a rapid and smooth construction period over the last ten months.
The cost of the new dairy has been covered entirely by the proceeds from the sale of the old site at Five Oaks, which have been reinvested by the Cooperative of Jersey dairy farmers. All the money raised from the sale has been used to fund the construction.
The Chairman of the Jersey Milk Marketing Board, Andrew Le Gallais, said: “This investment exemplifies the commitment of the Cooperative members to the future of the industry and it coincides with the significant investment which farmers themselves have already carried out on their own farms. The launch of the new Dairy also comes at a particularly momentous time in the history of the Jersey breed, with the imminent potential benefits to be derived from the importation of pure-bred Jersey genetics. This all makes for a very exciting time for the dairy industry in Jersey and should give incredible confidence to future generations of local dairy farmers.
The dairy is conveniently located adjacent to the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society headquarters and showground, in Jersey’s rural heartland.
Managing Director Eamon Fenlon said: “The move is an important step to enhancing the future the Island’s dairy industry and we are thrilled with our new site and believe it will be a focal point for regeneration. The new plant has the much needed purpose-built facilities we require to help us preserve and expand the incredibly special standards and reputation which Jersey Dairy already has and help us look to the future of the industry in the Island.”
“Being close to the headquarters of the RJAHS and the base of the World Jersey Cattle Bureau - who are the true guardians of the purity of the breed - is a logical and hugely beneficial place for us all to be and we are looking forward to working together. It’s also the perfect position for visitors, such as possible supermarket buyers, who can see Jersey Dairy’s new operation, before heading next door to learn about the history and purity of the Jersey.’
New equipment at the site will also allow more opportunity for business expansion in the future. Head of Marketing and Sales Christopher Journeaux has been busy preparing for the new start.
“Technology has moved on since the Five Oaks Dairy was built in the 1960s where the site offered us little ability to adapt to changes in the dairy industry. The new Dairy will allow us to consider a whole raft of possible new products,” he said.
“Jersey Dairy cream soups, rice puddings, cream custards, cream sauces and ice cream desserts are all some of the future possibilities. A new mixing plant - imagine something a little like a giant food processor - and a new UHT plant, which will be more versatile, will make the idea of whole new lines of Jersey Dairy products a real likelihood in the future.”
The new Dairy project has been collaboration between Jersey and UK contractors managed by TSL Projects. Jersey Dairy’s project manager Andy Cox has been the man behind the scenes, running the development.
“At 3,000 square metres, the new dairy occupies a designated commercial site nearly as large as two football pitches, but is smaller overall than the old Five Oaks Dairy. It is state of the art, so it will be more efficient, with a better designed layout, the potential to produce greater volumes while offering significant improvements on the environmental impact and significant flexibility for the future,” he said.