UP to 225 dairy workers are to lose their jobs as milk giant Muller closes two Scottish sites.

The company launched a consultation into the closure of dairies in Aberdeen and East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, in April, stating that they were “operating well below full utilisation”.

Yesterday bosses confirmed both will be axed, with operations in Aberdeen expected to end within a couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, work at East Kilbride will continue for up to 24 months as the firm transfers its production lines to Bellshill in North Lanarkshire, where the plant will benefit from £15 million of investment.

Cash will be poured into the site to create a “centre of excellence” for fresh milk and ingredients.

The three-year plan includes the construction of a new cream filling hall, high speed production lines, the expansion of site processing facilities and the modernisation of infrastructure to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

Muller said it would offer affected workers the chance to relocate where possible, but acknowledged this would not be available to everyone.

Daniel Adams, national officer of food manufacturing trade union Usdaw, called the news “a devastating blow for the loyal and hardworking staff in Aberdeen and East Kilbride” and suggested the decision on the South Lanarkshire facility was “premature”.

However, Andrew McInnes, managing director of Muller Milk & Ingredients, said: “We recognise that this change will affect our colleagues at both sites and farmers in the North East but this announcement is a key step towards building a sustainable, diverse and future focused dairy business in Scotland and the UK

“Unfortunately the status quo was not sustainable within our Scottish dairy network, with both Aberdeen and East Kilbride dairies operating well-below capacity. By investing in Bellshill we will be better able to optimise the value in the milk we buy from dairy farmers.”

“Wherever possible we will offer employees the opportunity to relocate within our network. We will support those who do not wish to do so or for whom there are no roles within our business and we have asked local agencies to work with us in this regard.”

The Aberdeen dairy will close “as soon as is reasonably practical”, with this expected to take place no later than mid-June.

Adams said: “After extensive local consultation with the business in an attempt to secure jobs, today’s news is a devastating blow for the loyal and hardworking staff in Aberdeen and East Kilbride. Usdaw remains concerned at the potentially premature nature of the decision regarding the East Kilbride site given that the company do not anticipate it closing for up to another 24 months. Usdaw has secured a commitment from the business that a formal dialogue will continue at East Kilbride during this time as we believe there remain a number of issues where further discussion is required.

“Usdaw will continue to support our members at both sites and to press the company to maximise redeployment opportunities to minimise job losses and provide support for those members who are unable to find alternative positions within the business.”

Meanwhile, Muller has agreed to offer all 43 farmers supplying the Aberdeen dairy the opportunity to continue doing so, conditional to a 1.75ppl charge which reflects the cost of transporting the milk they produce from Aberdeen to Bellshill for processing.

Farmers who do not will avoid this transport charge and their contracts will terminate on expiry of 12 months’ notice, giving them time to make alternative arrangements for their milk production.