Müller Wiseman Dairies is to close its Keith and Whitburn fresh milk depots before the end of the year, with the loss of up to 139 jobs.
Müller announced in June it was considering closing the two Scottish sites - blaming the fact that retailers increasingly wanted milk supplied to regional distribution centres rather than directly to stores.
This morning it confirmed it would start to wind down depot operations and distribution would gradually be transferred to depots in Aberdeen and Cambuslang.
Employees, management and unions had worked “extremely hard” to find ways of addressing the challenges facing the depots, but were unable to establish an economic basis for continuing operations at the two sites, said Müller Wiseman Dairies MD Carl Ravenhall.
“We very much regret the impact that this decision will have on these areas but we have to adapt to changes in the way that fresh milk is being distributed.”
At least 81 new posts will be created at Aberdeen and Cambuslang, and Müller said that where opportunities existed, it would ensure posts were offered to employees from Keith and Whitburn who wished to transfer.
Initial incentives would be put in place to compensate for extra costs in travelling to work, the company added.
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