New Processing Activity Achieved Through Sound Fiscal Management and Responsible Decisions
Ocean Choice International Fulfills Agreement and Opens an Expanded Processing Facility in Fortune
The Ocean Choice International processing plant in Fortune officially opened today, fulfilling an important requirement in an agreement between the company and the Provincial Government to create significant processing employment in the region, and generate greater value from provincial groundfish resources. The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, attended opening celebrations today at the facility, and announced $300,000 for additional harvesting and processing enhancements through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program.
“The Provincial Government’s agreement with Ocean Choice International
reflects our commitment to maximizing economic benefits from our fish
resources, and ensuring the well-being of residents in rural areas. Today’s
opening is an important step toward achieving these goals, and I am pleased
to announce $300,000 from the Provincial Government to assist with
integrating innovative harvesting and processing technology to support the
long-term success of this facility.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The funding provided by the Provincial Government will support the integration of three separate technological innovations: new harvesting technology that has been proven to achieve greater catch rates and minimize seabed contact; faster and more energy efficient equipment for thawing seafood during processing, and x-ray technology that would improve the yield of filleted product.
“Careful planning, negotiation, and investments by this government have
created economic gains for the people of the Burin Peninsula, who have had a
long-standing connection to the groundfish industry in this province. This
is a great day for the region, and an achievement that we will build on in
the coming years.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and MHA for Grand Bank
In addition to opening the Fortune processing facility, Ocean Choice International announced it would expand its operations in the area. The company has leased a vessel, the Ocean Breeze, to harvest cod that will create additional activity in the plant.
“Ocean Choice International is very proud of our investment in our
operations in Fortune, which far exceeded the $1 million committed in our
original agreement with the Provincial Government, and will generate
tremendous economic activity in the area for years to come. We appreciate
the Provincial Government’s assistance with our efforts to make groundfish
harvesting and processing viable in the province, and look forward to
bringing high quality yellowtail and cod products to markets around the
world.”
- Martin Sullivan, President and CEO, Ocean Choice International
Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries, and building a vibrant economy.
QUICK FACTS
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Media contacts:
Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
Corey T. Parsons Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Darin King MHA for Grand Bank 709-832-2531 coreyparsons@gov.nl.ca |
Paula Kieley Ocean Choice International 709-782-7122, 693-2099 pkieley@oceanchoice.com |
2013 12 18 1:20