Vónin takes foothold in Denmark

The Faroese fishing gear manufacturer signed an acquisition deal with Jutland (Denmark) net producer Strandby Net this month, giving Danish fishing vessels new reasons to trade with the company.

Vónin has purchased 75% of the shares in Strandby Net (at an undisclosed price) and the new subsidiary will continue under the management of former managing owner, Lars Peter Larsen, who retains a 25% share.

Vónin’s managing director Hjalmar Petersen said: “Mr Larsen is a highly respected professional, and we are pleased that he will continue as general manager for Strandby Net.”

According to Vónin, the company has a history of working with Strandby Net in connection with repairs of equipment supplied by Vónin to Danish customers.

Employing around 15 people, Strandby Net has one department in Strandby and one in Skagen, both towns located in Northern Jutland.

Skagen is known as Denmark’s most important port for the pelagic fishing fleet, with not only Danish vessels calling but also Swedish, Norwegian, Polish, Baltic, Scottish, and Irish.

“At present Strandy Net delivers trawl gear to smaller vessels,” Mr Petersen noted. “The plan is to extend the reach to also include larger Danish pelagic vessels. This is something that Vónin’s expertise and supply can help us achieve. After all, Vónin has provided equipment around the globe.”

Vónin has some experience in supplying Danish vessels, one of them recently equipped with fishing gear from the company’s pelagic department at Fuglafjørður.

Commenting further on the take-over deal, Mr Petersen said: “In our opinion, by entering into this agreement with Strandby Net we are strengthening our position significantly on the Danish market. We have no wish to stand still, but rather to grow - both through opening more locations and through developing further the equipment that we design, produce, and supply.”