Vertically integrated seafood company Hofseth is upgrading its processing facility in Ålesund, making it in line to be one of the largest in Norway. With cutting-edge equipment from Optimar, the company is increasing its theoretical gutting capacity from 65 to 115 fish per minute.
“A nearly 70% increase allows us to position ourselves for continued growth and become a strategic partner for others in the industry,” Hofseth CTO Finn Olaf Stokkereit said.
In addition to increasing processing speed, the delivery includes a modern vacuum system and automated cleaning systems. The upgrades will improve food safety and make daily operations easier for the facility’s staff.
“With these new automated cleaning systems, we’re moving away from heavy manual processes that require disassembly and climbing to ensure proper hygiene. This simplifies our workday, frees up capacity, and reduces the use of chemicals,” Hofseth Site Manager Peder Iversen said.
“Food safety is one of the most important things we work with. Now we can apply both chemical and thermal cleaning methods at different stages of the production process. Optimar’s equipment gives us confidence that we can deliver safe food,” Stokkereit added.
Hofseth and Optimar have a long-standing partnership built on shared innovation in the seafood industry.
“We’re proud that Hofseth has chosen Optimar once again. It’s always rewarding to work with a team that pushes us to find the very best solutions,” Optimar VP Global Sales Aquaculture Hans Owen Thunem said.
The upgrade will also help reduce energy use and minimise environmental impact. Additionally, it will improve the facility’s ability to handle by-products, which can now be sent directly to Hofseth’s in-house oil production plant.
“This is an important step in our strategy for more efficient and sustainable production. With Optimar’s solutions, we’re not just gaining more capacity – we’re creating a safer process for both people and fish,” Iversen said.
