Gist and Arla Foods UK have joined forces in a new three-year contract for transport and logistics which will support 70 jobs.

As part of the deal, Gist is providing transport and warehousing services to support Arla's Lockerbie Dairy - running a combination of daily trips of packaged milk to Arla's retail customers in Scotland and Northern England.

Gist plans to drive service and efficiency improvements by integrating services with Gist’s other key clients in the Food Retail and Food Service sectors.

Alan Devine, Gist’s Managing Director, Network Businesses, said: "We are excited to be awarded this opportunity with such a great customer. We look forward to utilising all of our expertise in food logistics to exceed Arla's customers' expectations and to deliver the best possible supply chain using great Gist people."

Daniel Hamby, Arla’s General Manager, Outbound Logistics, said: “We are pleased to have awarded our Scottish transport and warehouse operations to Gist, following a detailed and competitive tender process. They met all the tender requirements of delivering a proactive service model, along with an aligned strategic business plan which we’re confident will help deliver great customer service. Their plan also allows for volume growth and offers an enhanced platform for food service.”