LEADING UK cheese and dairy exporter Somerdale International is expanding at the Westpark 26 business park on the edge of Wellington.

The firm already has six units there but is taking two more, using the extra 5,850 sq ft of space mainly for storage and refrigeration but also for packaging and additional office space.

The expansion takes Somerdale’s total floor space at Westpark 26 to more than 10,000 sq ft.

Ben Trickey, divisional director of developers Summerfield, said: “We are particularly pleased that Somerdale has elected to expand its business at Westpark 26, reflecting its success within the premises it already occupies.”

Somerdale International was founded in 1990 by business partners Stephen Jones and Ernie Waldron. Since then the company has grown and now exports to more than 50 countries around the world supplying in excess of 250 cheeses.

Mr Jones said: “For over 20 years, both Ernie and I have searched the British countryside to find the very best of British cheese.

“ The hunt for suitable premises in which to consolidate and develop our business could not have been easier.

“Westpark 26 provides us with a convenient base, comprising all the space and facilities we need, with easy access to all our suppliers around the country.

“Summerfield has worked with us to help create the ideal set-up for our specialist and varied business needs as our business continues to thrive in Somerset.”