The company will be acquiring an empty factory in Grimsby (UK) and equipping it for seafood production by the end of 2012. As a result, Morrisons will be the only major food retailer to source fish direct from the quayside and process it for sale across the country, the retailer said.
According to Morrisons, by developing this business, the company will be in an enhanced position to deliver quality fresh and frozen seafood more quickly into store – and at an affordable price for shoppers.
Around 200 jobs will be created at the Europa Business Park factory in Grimsby which will fillet and portion a wide variety of seafood.
Dalton Philips, chief executive of Morrisons, said: “This will deliver mouth-wateringly fresh fish into our stores. Nobody else is buying direct from the quayside but we’re doing it. Building this seafood business will allow us to move our fish from ‘catch to kitchen’ even more quickly, giving our customers fantastic quality seafood products at stunning prices.”
Morrisons has recruited industry experts to lead the business such as Frank Green, who was appointed head of seafood trading for Morrisons in January and was previously at Young’s. The factory in Grimsby will be run by Howard Sims, as MD, and Rob Smith as head of operations.
Howard has 46 years of experience in the food industry, while Rob has a broad knowledge of the seafood industry and has worked on product development with Marks & Spencer.
Morrisons will also shortly appoint a fisheries and aquaculture specialist to further develop their credentials in sourcing and sustainability. Recruitment for the new roles, which will include managerial and factory operatives will begin in the near future with Morrisons looking to fill the positions with suitable local candidates where possible.
Source: Morrisons
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