Background
Owned by British farmers, First Milk is committed to producing the highest quality dairy products while ensuring a sustainable future. As part of this commitment, First Milk made significant investments in its UK-based facility, with further plans extending into 2025.
First Milk sought a specialist company capable of supporting its operational needs and managing the Biogas Plant alongside an existing Effluent Treatment Plant, that serves the creamery.
‘We are immensely proud to have been awarded this important contract with First Milk. It is a privilege to support such a forward-thinking, farmer-owned business that places sustainability and operational excellence at the heart of everything it does’ – Jon Waller, Operations Director at Glanua’s Aqua Operations
Challenges
Engineers originally designed the Effluent Treatment Plant to handle wastewater solely from the Lake District Creamery. However an Anaerobic Digestion process was constructed, with the ETP treating additional flow effluent from the Biogas process.
The system discharges treated effluent into the River Ellen under strict regulations from the Environment Agency. The Biogas Plant receives whey permeate, a lactose-rich by-product from the whey protein process, as its main feedstock. The produced biogas, a renewable energy source, undergoes de-sulphurisation and upgrading before injection into the national gas grid. A 500kW combined heat and power unit uses part of the gas, helping meet the site’s energy requirements.
Jon went on to say ‘This partnership is a testament to the strength and depth of our team’s expertise in managing complex industrial and environmental processes. As part of the Glanua Group, we benefit from the combined experience of working alongside Marches Biogas, and we are all fully committed to delivering a high-performing effluent treatment plant and anaerobic digestion operation. We share First Milk’s vision for a sustainable future and are excited to contribute meaningfully to their journey. Together, we will ensure this facility not only meets regulatory and performance expectations but also continues to drive innovation and efficiency for years to come’
Scope of Work
Due to the complex nature of these operations and strict environmental regulations, First Milk required a team with proven expertise in food manufacturing and environmental compliance. The team worked closely with the Environment Agency to maintain the Environmental Operating Permit, ensuring full compliance with all relevant standards.
Glanua, in collaboration with teams from Aqua Operations and Marches Biogas, provides a comprehensive industrial maintenance service. This included:
- Ongoing monitoring and regulatory engagement to maintain environmental and safety standards.
- Full management, operation, and maintenance of the Biogas and Effluent Treatment Plants.
- Implementation of an optimisation plan to enhance performance, productivity, and compliance.
Implementation & Execution
The project is structured around First Milk’s long-term sustainability goals, aligning closely with its vision and mission. Key initiatives included:
- Collaborative Planning – Working in partnership with strategic suppliers to align production schedules, demand forecasts, and long-term goals.
- Joint Strategic Development – Engaging suppliers in joint strategy sessions to ensure operational needs were met effectively.
Through this collaborative approach, the partnership offered by Glanua and Aqua Operations has strengthened First Milk’s operational resilience. This has been achieved through improved plant efficiency and reinforced its commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
Outcome
First Milk and Glanua’s Aqua Operations established a strong framework and a focus on continuous improvement. First Milk’s investment in its Biogas and Effluent Treatment Plants drives greater efficiency, therefore ensuring environmental compliance and long-term sustainability. This contract highlights the power of strategic partnerships in achieving operational excellence.
Read more about our Industrial work here