Arla Foods’ vice president of production, Fran Ball, said the company would be entering into a period of consultation with its employees over the plans.

Ms Ball said the proposals “form part of our strategy to strengthen our manufacturing network and futureproof dairy production in the UK”.

An Arla spokesperson said it “remains committed to being a major employer in the Yorkshire region”.

The spokesperson said more than 1,000 people were employed in Leeds, including about 500 people at the company’s headquarters in Leeds Valley Park and a further 450 people at its dairy in Stourton.

No jobs were under threat in Leeds, they added, although about 24 roles would be impacted due to the changes.

Last year the company invested £65m investment in its Stourton site, according to the spokesperson.