A SOMERSET dairy firm is hiring dozens of people across its production facilities across the west country.

Yeo Valley Production is recruiting for around 70 posts across its five manufacturing and distribution sites.

The firm, which started manufacturing yoghurts over five decades ago, says it is offering a range of permanent and summer only positions at Blagdon, Cannington, Crewkerne, Newton Abbot and its Highbridge distribution centre.

Talent manager for the firm, Sam Ford, said: “Yeo Valley Production has been rooted in Somerset for decades now and it’s fantastic that we can create significant employment opportunities for the local economy and support the community and area we love.”

Bridgwater Mercury:

Last year, the family-owned dairy business placed a 20% share of Yeo Valley Production into an Employee Benefit Trust which means that everyone is eligible for an annual bonus, based on company performance.

“Our colleagues are truly part of the family. It’s really important to us that everyone who works for us shares in the overall success of the business," Sam added.

"Staff benefits include our new pay rates of between £10 - £13 per hour across our 4 on 4 off shift patterns, pension with no employee deductions and life assurance are just some of the things you can expect from working with us, as well as real opportunities to progress and develop your skills within the production and manufacturing environment.”

Michelle Edwards, a dairy operative at the company’s Cannington site for over 15 years, described what a typical day is like.

“It changes on a day-to-day basis as I move around different departments in the factory," she said.

"One day I could be working on a small Hitpak machine packing small pots of yogurt and the next I could be in the Nutpod (our special secure area separate to the main factory where we use nut products).

"I love that I get to work with and get to know so many different people."

To find out more, visit careers.yeovalley.co.uk or email careers@yeovalley.co.uk.