Morrisons opens Grimsby fish plant

02-Sep-2012 - Last updated on 05-Sep-2012 at 18:21 GMT

Morrisons' fish plant is expected to create 200 new jobs and process 200t of fish a week when fully operational

Morrisons’ new fish processing plant in Grimsby began operations today (September 3) − five months after work began on converting a disused factory at Europa Park.

By the time it is fully operational at the end of the year, it is expected the facility will employ 200 staff and produce about 200t of seafood a week. Fish will be received daily at the site for processing and same-day distribution to Morrisons’ supermarkets.

When it announced the project Morrisons claimed it would be the only major food retailer to source fish from the quayside and process it for sale across the UK.

The new business will fillet and portion a variety of seafood, and will process: salmon, cod, haddock, smoked cod, smoked haddock, cold water prawns, mussels and surimi.

Manufacture more

The launch is part of the retailer’s strategy to manufacture more of the fresh food that is sold in its stores. “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,” the company said in a statement.

Dalton Philips, chief executive of Morrisons, added: “Nobody else is buying direct from the quayside but we’re doing it. 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 is due to report its half year results on Thursday September 6.