Offshore pen ‘will unlock growth potential’

INVERNESS based Gael Force Group is developing a larger, integrated offshore pen to support a move towards higher energy sites.
The company, which acquired a majority stake in Scottish pen manufacturer Fusion Marine last month, announced earlier this year that it is investing £1 million to increase capacity and develop new products and services for aquaculture producers.
Work is already underway to review the existing pen range and develop larger pens for exposed sites, as the industry seeks to unlock Scottish aquaculture’s growth potential.
The group plans to strengthen its share of the Scottish market, which is its primary focus, as well as establish export sales in its target aquaculture export markets.
Fusion Marine will retain its name for a transitional period until the end of the year and will continue to deal with and support its key customers in the Scottish market.
The Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing, welcomed the investment in the Scottish aquaculture supply chain.
‘Innovation has a key role to play in the sustainable growth of our aquaculture sector and this research and development has the potential to provide a real boost to our rural economy, not least through the provision of highly skilled STEM job roles.
‘Companies like Gael Force have a key role to play in maintaining Scotland’s reputation for quality produce and enhancing our position on the global finfish production stage in an industry which contributes £2 billion annually.’
Both Gael Force and Fusion teams are preparing for their largest combined presence at Aquaculture UK over two exhibition stands later this month, with a range of product launches over 120 square metres of exhibiting space.