Salmon producer Arnøy Laks is to open a new filleting factory.
Norwegian salmon producer Arnøy Laks is set to open a new filleting factory in May. reinforcing its commitment to local processing and community development in Lauksletta, in Troms county, northern Norway.
As a major employer on Norway’s 15th largest island, the company’s operations are critical to the local economy, employing 100 people—twice the village’s population.
“We see ourselves as working in close partnership with the local community. Our business philosophy mandates that our salmon should not be processed at external facilities; this commitment is integral to fulfilling our social obligations,” says Håvard Høgstad, CEO of Arnøy Laks.
“As long as we continue to operate efficiently and competitively, maintaining local ownership is the right strategy for us. We gain a competitive edge through our locally based production, and the way we organize our operations is key to our profitability. Owning our processing facility allows us to make swift and informed decisions that align with market demands, which wouldn’t be possible with an outsourced operation,” he continues.
Focusing on Sustainability and Local Growth
Arnøy Laks has committed to providing a full processing service by investing in a new 500-square-meter filleting facility, which will also create 10-12 new jobs in the small community.
“Our aim is to produce a high-quality product with every fish we process. We adopt a long-term sustainability approach because the concerns extend beyond us to the consumers as well. Processing the fish locally helps us cut down on CO2 emissions and reduces road wear, fulfilling our commitment to environmental sustainability within our community,” explains Høgstad.
“This investment marks a significant milestone for us. Our financial stability in recent years has provided us with the buffer necessary to undertake such projects. Looking back seven or eight years, this would not have been possible.”
The filleting equipment for the new factory is supplied by BAADER. “Given our satisfaction with BAADER’s equipment at our existing facilities, it was a natural choice to partner with them for the new fillet factory. We’ve worked closely to design the factory from scratch, developing a complete fillet line that we believe will yield excellent results for Arnøy Laks.”
“We are eagerly anticipating the launch of the new factory in mid-May. Initial trials have shown promising harmony in operations,” Høgstad adds.
Driving Community Development Through Industrial Activity
The company acknowledges its role in fostering community development. “By taking our social responsibilities seriously, we enhance the quality of our products. Our operations help generate employment, which in turn boosts local settlement. This has led us to develop modern housing to accommodate our growing workforce, significantly enlarging our property holdings. We currently employ around 60 people in two shifts at our slaughterhouse, and stable production has encouraged more people to settle locally,” he notes.
“Local ownership not only benefits our business but creates a ripple effect, stimulating community growth and infrastructure development, such as road construction,” states the CEO.
“We are committed to making substantial, long-term investments in the community, and for that, we rely on dependable partners like BAADER to help us deliver superior products to our customers,” concludes Høgstad.
