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Denbigshire yogurt manufacturer Llaeth Y Llan (Village Dairy) has completed a multi-million pound expansion of its production facility.

The new state-of-the-art dairy will allow the business to increase its manufacturing capacity, expand into new markets and introduce new products to its loyal customers, without whom this project wouldn’t have been possible.

The firm was backed with a finance package from HSBC and the Welsh Government.

The opening of the 2,500 sq ft facility, which marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the company’s 32-year history, was celebrated with the unveiling of a plaque by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Leslie Griffiths AM.

HSBC’s Bryn Edmunds, who has been the farm’s relationship manager since 2005, also presented the Roberts family with a glass memento to congratulate them on officially opening the new facility.

The expansion has already facilitated the introduction of a Llaeth Y Llan-branded multipack of smooth yoghurts targeting the children’s lunchbox market, which hits the shelves of Welsh supermarkets next month.

The Welsh Government has supported the project with £700,000 from the Wales Economic Growth Fund, whilst HSBC also supported with a £1.5 million finance facility to develop the new unit.

The company is already expanding its workforce to accommodate the new developments. Job numbers now stand at 52, up from 28 in 2014.

Owain Roberts, managing director of Llaeth Y Llan CYF, said: “This is a very exciting time in the development of the company.

“The year has already started very positively with Llaeth Y Llan products becoming increasingly available in shops across Wales and England, and we have also recently started supplying to supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates.

“Securing funding from the Welsh Government and HSBC was critical for this project.

“We are also extremely grateful for the additional support we have received from the Welsh Government over the years, which has included business mentoring, training, attendance at trade exhibitions and introductions to commercial contacts.

“It has all helped to contribute to the continuous growth we are achieving.”

Euryn Jones, HSBC’s Regional Agriculture Director, said: “HSBC has been a proud supporter of Llaeth Y Llan since 1985, and this latest project is no exception.

“The purpose-built facility will help the farm realise its ambition and potential to increase production and create new products for its customers. We look forward to working with the Roberts family as the business continues to grow and prosper.”

Llaeth Y Llan’s new production facility is based on the family farm in Llannefydd, Denbighshire, where it has been since its inception in 1985.