Grimsby Fish Merchants Association attend opening of Fleetwood Seafood Processing Park
September 17, 2024
Representatives from the Grimsby seafood cluster and leading figures from across the seafood industry attended the opening of Fleetwood’s Neptune Fish and Seafood Processing park. Representing the Grimsby FMA were Mike Hryckowian and Simon Dwyer and they were joined by Tri-Pak Managing Director, Henry Clarke.
The invited audience were shown first-hand the economic and environmental benefits of the multi-million pound investment of Fleetwood’s Neptune Fish and Seafood Processing Park with around 200 people employed full-time by on-site fish processing businesses with an estimated 300 more indirectly employed.
Andrew Riches, president of the FFMA said: “We really believe the processing park is the jewel in the crown for the seafood industry in the north west of England so were delighted to be able to guide those involved in our industry to see the work that goes on and the facilities provided for themselves. This a 42,000 sq foot modern commercial food processing facility providing the capacity for processing seafood caught locally or imported.We’re always keen to hear from anyone within the retail or food service sector looking for responsibly and sustainably sourced seafood. We’re very much open for business and are excited about the potential Neptune Fish and Seafood Processing Park has for Fleetwood.”
As well as huge employment benefits for the area, the park has sustainability at the top of its agenda with carbon reduction at the forefront of the design philosophy. It boasts all the latest energy efficient equipment, energy efficient cold storage and renewable energy technology such as photovoltaics. It is estimated that these works will reduce the Fleetwood fish industry’s carbon emission by 522,000 kWh annually, equivalent to 130 tonnes of CO2 and 6000 trees per year. Recycling is another important feature of the Neptune Fish and Seafood Processing Park with a polystyrene recycling facility already in operation with a plant that compacts waste polystyrene at a ratio of 50:1. Currently on-site is an auction Hall, various fish processing facilities and recycling centre with a training academy to be established in the coming months.
Mike Hryckowian who is on the board of both Fish Merchants Associations added “I am thrilled to seeing the opening of the new facility and championing the trade links between Fleetwood and Grimsby – two of the UK’s major fresh fish hubs. Mike added “Grimsby, renowned for its innovation, skills, research and leadership in the industry through working with our partner, University of Lincoln so, we’re eager to share our best practice knowledge with our colleagues in Fleetwood. We wish them all well for the future.”