Business / Jobs boost as Ronas Voe fish factory to reopen
THERE are hopes for an employment boost in Northmavine with the reopening of the Ronas Voe fish factory.
The factory previously reopened in 2023 after being closed for a few years, but shut again not long after.
However a new company, Shetland Seafood Exports Ltd, has been established between local man David Leask and the two businessmen who previously operated the factory.
The aim is to reopen the fish factory, creating a number of jobs in the process.
The company said with local knowledge and contacts the plan is to diversify from the previous products produced at the factory and develop new markets as well as utilising existing ones from the renowned seafood landed locally.
The factory has had numerous upgrades over the years and the company said it has a “state-of-the-art refrigeration system” allowing large capacity freezing of seafood, enabling full loads to be built up for dispatch.
Given the cost of shipping goods off the islands the freezing of produce will maximise the shipping volumes while keeping costs lower.
The factory also has the capability to cook seafood, and with the flexibility of freezing and cooling it is hoped that the business can vary production throughout the seasons as different seafood is landed.
The business said it is “delighted” to be a provider of employment opportunities in a rural area.
The appointment of the new factory manager position has already taken place with former local resident Rachel Anne Williamson taking up the role.
The new business is actively recruiting for new staff at the moment and is confident it will have around six to eight full-time workers employed within the next few months.
The job advert for production operatives said duties will include working with shellfish and fish products, from using production machinery and filleting to weighing and boxing.
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