Mowi set to upgrade Blar Mhor processing plant

Salmon giant Mowi is planning to upgrade its Blar Mhor processing facility in Fort William, to a capacity of more than 80,000 tonnes. The company has promoted Scott Nolan to the role of Processing Director, to oversee the expansion.

The move follows a strategic review in 2019 which considered alternatives including constructing a new build at an alternative location, before opting to upgrade the Blar Mhor site. The planning process will start in the coming weeks with a view to building work starting in 2021, Mowi said. The upgraded facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art robotic technology for handling and grading salmon and, Mowi said, much of the work will be undertaken without closure of the facility. Completion is expected in the second half of 2022.

Scott Nolan was previously Processing Development Manager for Mowi Scotland, and his experience includes senior roles in Australia with Huon Aquaculture and Aquatiq. He has been closely involved in developing the Blar Mhor plans and as Processing Director will oversee all harvesting and processing operations.

Ben Hadfield, Chief Operating Officer for Mowi in Scotland, Ireland and the Faroes, said: “Demand for premium Scottish salmon remains strong and is expected to increase year on year. Mowi has been independently ranked as the world’s most sustainable animal protein producer and expansion at our Blar Mhor facility will reduce packaging and plastics – key fundamentals that increase consumer confidence in our salmon. We are very pleased with Mowi’s Board decision to invest further in our farming and processing operations in Scotland.”

Mowi’s Blar Mhor team in 2019