A DAIRY company has announced the official opening of its new distribution depot.

McQueens Dairies Ltd has unveiled its new Carlisle depot as it continues to expand its business.

The family firm, which specialises in doorstep milk deliveries, was founded in 1995 by company chairman Mick McQueen and his wife Meg and now operates eleven distribution depots in Scotland and north of England employing 700 members of staff including the couple’s five children who hold senior positions within the business.

The new depot in Willowholme Industrial Estate will employ 22 staff and serve customers living in Carlisle and surrounding area.

Jai Best, distribution manager at McQueens Dairies said: “Our new Carlisle distribution centre is our sixth in the north of England and will join our other busy depots.

“We have already created 22 jobs at this new depot and it is our plan to add additional new staff to accommodate the growth we expect in the coming months as more customers enjoy our service of having fresh milk delivered direct to their doorsteps.”

McQueens Dairies Ltd has distribution depots in Mansfield, Bradford, Warrington, Preston, Stockton on Tees, Glasgow, Edinburgh, East Kilbride, Kirkcaldy and Galashiels.

McQueens Dairies, which also delivers orange and apple juices, fresh eggs and alternative milk products, recently launched a new website – www.mcqueensdairies.co.uk - designed to give customers direct control of their orders and to allow them to make changes in advance, and to pay directly.

Ruairidh McQueen, director of McQueens Dairies added: “Customers have always been at the heart of our business and who have made it the success it is.

"We still deliver to people who have been customers since we started the company more than 25 years ago and remain committed to giving every customer, old and new, the very best service and product in the market.”

For more information on McQueens Dairies visit www.mcqueensdairies.co.uk.