One year on from acquiring the former Thai Union/Edinburgh Salmon Company processing facility in Dingwall, Loch Duart has completely revitalised the premises.
The 50,000 square foot facility now provides better social distancing and has obtained the British Retail Consortium ‘AA’ Grade certification.
Loch Duart invested £2 million in buying and refurbishing the factory and now employs more than 70 people. “Having worked under the previous ownership and now running the plant myself, I am delighted by the improvements in staff conditions in the last year under the new ownership. The factory and yard are substantial in size allowing us to design in lots of space for working, social distancing and staff welfare,” said factory manager, Russell Leslie.
“Our clear message to the local community is that we offer high quality jobs with good career prospects and reasonable rates of pay for the sector. For example, a line operative can be promoted to team leader within six months and career development plans are available for everyone who wants to progress,” he said.
Previously the factory had significantly seasonal peaks, but Loch Duart is now packing fresh fish rather than smoked which is mainly geared to Christmas market.
The Dingwall factory is already exporting to Europe and the USA each week and the company has recently secured contracts with other salmon companies, as well as processing all of Loch Duart’s harvested output.
