ONE of the most advanced seafood factories in the world was officially unveiled yesterday.
Flatfish based in Grimsby, chose the completion of its latest £2-million extension to formally mark the opening of their state of the art processing plant on the Grimsby-Cleethorpes boundary. The company, which is celebrating its 30th birthday, has also become one of the first UK seafood producers to be allowed to use the new Icelandic Responsible Fisheries 'blue globe' logo
Flatfish’s standing as a world-class supplier of quality lemon soles and other fish was reinforced by the arrival of a senior executive from Britain’s top retailer Waitrose to perform the opening ceremony.The fast expanding retailer is a major buyer of Flatfish products through its main customer Sealord.
Heather Jenkins, director of agriculture at Waitrose, said her company was committed to a programme of growth with the aim of doubling the size of the business by 2016 through new store openings.
'Part of our strategy is to concentrate our efforts on fewer suppliers who truly understand our business. This business (Flatfish) gives us that confidence for the future. What strikes me most about the company here is Grimsby is what a good eye you have for quality.'
Flatfish managing director Steve Stansfield said the opening ceremony in no way meant that the company had reached the end of its ambitions. It was continually looking at ways to improve the facility to set the bar higher for any competitors and to provide the best quality products for its customers.The business had grown as a result of successful partnerships like the one with Sealord and Waitrose, and its Icelandic partners.
'This partnership starts with us sourcing the highest quality fish from sustainable stocks, caught using environmentally friendly fishing methods and with a guarantee of a high level of traceability. We source the majority of our lemon soles from Iceland and we are extremely proud to have been granted the right to use the Icelandic Responsible Fisheries logo.'
He added: 'We are looking to the future with some caution, but also with a health degree of optimism – as our continued investment programme demonstrates.'
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