FAROE ISLANDS – Bakkafrost Scotland is contemplating an extended closure of its Marybank and Arnish facilities in Stornoway, which could affect approximately 80 employees, according to a statement provided by a company spokesperson.
The company spokesperson confirmed that due to strategic harvesting plans, minimal harvesting activity is expected in the northern region over the next 18 months.
This decision is influenced by the timing and locations of stock replenishment.
Bakkafrost has already completed the majority of its production harvesting earlier this year.
Faced with challenging circumstances, Bakkafrost’s board is considering several scenarios to safeguard the business’s future and retain the remaining workforce across Scotland.
One of these scenarios involves the potential closure of the Arnish Harvest Station and the Marybank Processing Facility for an extended period.
The company plans to initiate a period of collective consultation with the employees who may be affected, aiming to complete this process in the coming weeks.
Western Isles SNP politician Alasdair Allan expressed his concerns to media outlets, emphasizing that Bakkafrost is one of the area’s largest employers and that losing so many jobs would be devastating for the community.
In its Q1 2024 financial results announced in May, Bakkafrost reported revenues of DKK1.59 billion (US$232.9 million) from its Faroe Islands operations.
In contrast, the revenues from its Scotland operations were DKK612 million(US$89.4M), down from DKK708 million(US$103.4M) in the previous year.
CEO Regin Jacobsen expressed satisfaction with the company’s strong performance in the first quarter of 2024, particularly highlighting the success in the Faroe Islands.
Bakkafrost, a major player in the global salmon farming industry, identifies itself as the largest fish farming company in the Faroe Islands, the second-largest in Scotland, and the third-largest worldwide.
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.
