HB Grandi’s groundfish processing plant at Vopnafjörður in eastern Iceland is expected to be ready for operation in December, although the possibility of a seamen’s strike starting next week could delay production.
The company embarked on establishing groundfish processing at Vopnafjörður to complement its extensive pelagic processing facilities there, filling the gaps in production between pelagic seasons. New facilities are being set up in a building that had previously been a fish processing plant in Vopnafjörður, and according to Bárður Jónsson, the company’s technical manager in Vopnafjörður, the work has overrun its original schedule, mainly due to the shortage of construction workers.
“It’s looking good and we expect to be able to start groundfish production here in December if there are no hitches. That’s going to depend mainly on the potential seamen’s strike, which could upset our plans if it happens,” he said. He commented that around twenty technicians and HB Grandi staff are involved in the last stages of preparation.
“We’re expecting the Marel flow line to be delivered tomorrow, along with the skinning machine and conveyors from Skaginn. The skin chillers have already been set up and in the next few days we’ll be adding more equipment to all this.Once it’s all in place, it’s up to the electricians and the computer specialists to take over..The air conditioning is practically ready and we still have to finish installing the fire-fighting sprinkler system and the fire alarms” Bárður Jónsson said.
35 to 40 staff are expected to work on groundfish production.
