In its statement, SDUK said it was “consulting with employees at its product packing facility in Kirkby Malzeard regarding the proposal to relocate most of the cheese packing operations to our existing facility in Nuneaton, where we have recently completed a major investment”.

If the proposal went ahead, “the facility in Kirkby Malzeard will be closed and new roles will be created in Nuneaton”, it said.

“At this stage, no decisions have been made and employee consultation on this proposal will begin shortly.”

The company said it remained committed to making cheese at Wensleydale Creamery’s main plant at Hawes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“Both the Wensleydale Creamery and our on-site visitor centre will continue to operate as usual. This proposal has no impact on our supplying farms,” the SDUK statement said.

Relocating its operations to the West Midlands was “right for the long-term future of the business as we maintain our efforts to pursue further efficiencies, reduce costs and manufacture products of the highest quality”, it added.

The firm would “ensure the support of all employees who may be affected by these proposed changes”, a spokesperson said.