AN Okehampton-based company is celebrating after being presented with a prestigious international quality standard award.
Peninsula Milk Processing Ltd's new chief executive Nick Bateman received the ISO 9002 certificate from Business Link operations manager Neil Farnworth.
Mr Bateman said: 'This award recognises our high standards and crowns a magnificent effort involving two years of total co-operation and commitment by our 60 staff.
'During the latter stages, which included bringing in new management information systems, we had to contend with problems associated with the foot and mouth outbreak.
'Some consortium members, among them our chairperson, Sandy Loud, lost their entire stock including prize herds built up over many years.'
Mr Bateman said Peninsula managed to work through the crisis, although on a very narrow margin, and he paid tribute to the help and information offered by Business Link throughout this time.
Mr Farnworth said: 'This marvellous achievement marks the end of a difficult period for the company and brings some very welcome good news into the business.'
Peninsula Milk, formed seven years ago by 27 farmers who wanted to manage and sell their products directly onto the market place, has grown to 100 members and has a turnover of £20-million.
Milk produced by the consortium is processed and sold to mainly West Country clients, including supermarket chains.
At the 13,000 sq ft site in Okehampton, the company now produces a number of popular cream products. A major expansion planned in the milk processing department will soon make it one of the biggest employers in the area.