Arnarlax founder to head Grieg’s new Oslo processing plant
The former Chief Executive and Co-founder of the Icelandic salmon company Arnarlax has been appointed manager of Grieg Seafood’s new processing plant at Gardermoen, near Oslo.
Kristian B. Matthiasson brings a wealth of experience to the new role, said the company.
His more recent experience as the managing director of Leines Seafood, a processing company that primarily produced frozen portions for the supermarket chain Aldi, has equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead our upcoming processing plant at Gardermoen, it added.
In this pivotal role, the company said Matthiasson will develop Grieg’s organisation and optimise operations to drive excellence.
Grieg said: “Focusing on strategic goals, he will be a crucial catalyst for identifying and implementing initiatives to contribute to our factory’s success.”
Matthiasson said: “I look forward to starting as General Manager at Grieg’s state-of-the-art processing plant at Gardermoen.
“The production of salmon has always been close to my heart, and I look forward to becoming part of the Grieg family.
“At the new factory in Gardermoen, we should have every opportunity to produce safe and high-quality products in a sustainable, efficient, and reliable manner. There is much to be done before we receive our first fish in the fall of 2025, and I am excited to take on this work.”
Matthiasson started Arnarlax with his father, Matthias Gardarsson, in 2014 before stepping back some five years later. Arnarlax is now part of the SalMar group.
The Gardermoen VAP centre is set to commence operations in the autumn of 2025, marking a significant milestone for Grieg Seafood.
It will initially process approximately 10,000 tonnes of salmon (head on, gutted) into end products such as fillets and portions.
Grieg said expanding its processing capacity is a testament to its commitment to bringing the value chain closer to the end consumer and enhancing Grieg Seafood’s value creation.
Grieg’s Chief Commercial Officer, Erik Holvik, said: “I am thrilled that Kristian, with his extensive expertise and valuable experience in the seafood industry, will be a crucial player in our VAP project.
“His leadership and vision will be instrumental in the project’s success, and we are excited to have him on board.”
How Grieg’s processing facility at Oslo Gardermoen airport will look
