New SFO Factory opens

The opening by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead of a new langoustine processing factory at Uddingston near Glasgow, on 22nd September, marked a red letter day for the Scottish Fishermen's Organisation (SFO) Ltd.

Operated by Braehead (SFO Enterprises) Ltd, the purpose built unit is fitted out with state of the art washing, grading, sorting, freezing and packing machinery, to maintain the high quality of product for which the SFO has gained a reputation. It will process langoustine from the Organisation's members, for supply into the UK and export markets.

"There is a lot of bad news generated about fishing and seafood processing at present, but we have a good news story that confirms our faith in a profitable future for these industries," said SFO Chairman James Buchan. "Our new factory will employ 60+ people in an area of high unemployment and offer good quality jobs."

The factory replaces the SFO's current premises on the nearby Motherwell Food Park, which have been running at capacity. "There is a growing demand for our whole and tailed langoustine and our flexible approach means we can supply any quantity required by the customer. We are happy to provide small quantities to local chefs and fishmongers provided they collect, but the majority of our product is exported to France, Spain and Italy," confirmed James. "We are working on increasing consumption in the UK through a portfolio of new consumer friendly products, but it is a slow job because people do not appreciate seafood here as they do in Southern Europe!"

Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "The SFO's new shellfish processing factory is a tremendous and timely boost for the seafood processing sector. Consumer demand for Scotland's delicious seafood is on the increase and the factory is an excellent example of the industry investing for a profitable future, benefiting the local economy and raising worldwide awareness of Scotland's high quality langoustine.

"Scotland's food and drink industry is a key sector to our economic recovery. Seafood is an important export commodity for Scotland; in 2009, fish and shellfish made up 60% of all food exports overseas."