High Liner Foods Inc, (TSX:HLF), a frozen seafood supplier, will invest $6.6 million to further modernize and expand its manufacturing facility in Newport News VA, increasing production to meet demand for products from its US foodservice brands. As part of this expansion, High Liner will create 57 new jobs to support the expanded production capabilities.
The company acquired Icelandic Group’s US and Asian operations—including the 240,000-square-foot Newport News facility—in December 2011. The Newport News expansion project includes new equipment and systems to expand production and process capabilities, while improving efficiencies. High Liner also operates processing facilities in Malden MA, Portsmouth NH, and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
To help fund the expansion, High Liner is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide financing and services to support High Liner’s recruitment, training, and retraining activities. Gov Bob McDonnell approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist the city of Newport News with the project.
High Liner’s retail branded products are sold in the United States, Canada, and Mexico under the High Liner, Fisher Boy, Mirabel, Sea Cuisine, and Royal Sea labels, and are available in most grocery and club stores. High Liner also sells its products under the High Liner, Icelandic Seafood, FPI, Viking, Mirabel, and Samband of Iceland brands to restaurants and institutions. It also supplies private label seafood products to North American food retailers and foodservice distributors.
