News Releases
Government Home Search Sitemap Contact Us  


July 28, 1998
(Executive Council)


Fishplant in Black Duck Cove to begin processing shell fish

Premier Brian Tobin is pleased that an agreement in principle has been reached between RHK Capital Inc. of Toronto and the Doyle Group of companies in New Ferolle to invest approximately $1.5 million in the fishplant at Black Duck Cove to redesign the facility to become a shrimp and crab processing operation. At peak, approximately 100 people will be employed at the renovated plant.

RHK Capital Inc. will invest $1.5 million to initiate the renovations for the shellfish operation in exchange for a 50 per cent interest in Sea King Fisheries. Sea King Fisheries, will initially process shrimp at the renovated facility and then expand into crab processing. Premier Tobin first met with RHK Capital Inc. during a recent investment attraction trip to Toronto.

"Government continues to work with private industry in an effort to revitalize our rural communities. Today's announcement of new investment into the Black Duck Cove plant will enable the facility to process a wider range of species resulting in the further diversification of the industry on the Northern coast of the province," said Tobin. "A renewed life for the plant through the processing of value-added products will go a long way towards providing more security and therefore a brighter future for the people of the Black Duck Cove area. It is expected that upwards of 100 people will be employed at the plant for approximately six months on an annual basis." Premier Tobin also noted that RHK Capital's investment is an important economic boost for the Northern Peninsula and that it is the first time the company has invested in the province.

Charles Furey echoed Premier Tobin's enthusiasm for the effect this new investment will have on the area. "I have always believed that the Black Duck Cove plant has had potential to become a multi-species facility. The people of this area have also been firm believers in this plant's potential," said Furey. "This new investment will provide Sea King Fisheries with the needed renovations and equipment to make the plant a world-class shellfish processing operation. It is a win-win situation for all those involved."

"It has been a struggle to keep the plant in operation since the cod moratorium began in 1992. This deal has taken a long time to put together but will mean a much brighter future for the people in the area," said Cliff Doyle, of Sea King Fisheries. "I believe the plant and the people in the area have a bright future in shell fish, namely shrimp, business."

Millie Dredge of the local plant committee added, "The local plant committee is more than pleased with today's announcement. We look forward to working with Mr. Cliff Doyle to ensure the plant is a success. This announcement will go along way towards ensuring the viability of Black Duck Cove, Forresters's Point, Pigeo Cove and St. Barbe."

Final details of the agreement are currently being worked out and it is expected that renovations of the plant will begin within the next month. With this new investment into the plant, the shrimp and crab processing facility will be valued at approximately $7 million.

Contacts:

Heidi Bonnell, Premier's Office, (709) 729-3564

Tara Laing, Mines and Energy, (709) 729-4890

1998 07 28                                  11:55 a.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement