Dairy supplier Meadow Farms is bucking the current economic climate by continuing its expansion plans by opening a new butter factory.

The Chester-based company will now be able to store its butter onsite for the first time, instead of renting out a storage facility in Shropshire, the Liverpool Daily Post reports.

Britain's largest independent supplier of butter says the opening of the new plant - which will reduce its environmental impact by 43,000 road miles a year - is the first step in a major investment programme which is likely to see many new jobs created in the company over the coming years.

Managing director Paul Deakin said: "We've seen demand from food manufacturing customers increase dramatically over recent years. This trend looks set to continue. Volatility in the global milk markets is driving many manufacturers to secure their supply of quality milk."

Earlier this year, Meadow Foods saw its turnover boosted to over £250 million for the first time in its history.