‘Future of egg production\’ now open in Norway

A NEW salmon egg production unit capable producing at least 150 million eggs a year was opened this week in Sørfold, Norway.

The plant, described by owner Benchmark as ‘the world’s best facility of its kind’, will focus on quality, said the company’s CEO, Malcolm Pye.

Addressing 250 guests at the opening of the site, he said: ‘We are putting together something that is vital for the future. This is at the forefront of the salmon industry’s development.

‘Disease is one of the critical elements in every kind of aquaculture, and here we have a facility that gives us the ultimate in biosecurity and production capability for the very first critical stage of producing eggs that are going to grow, thrive and produce the quality product that we all believe in so much.

‘Alongside the production capability we also have to develop genetics that drive forward production efficiency and sustainability of production.’

The unit, planned for over five years and completed on schedule, was testament to Benchmark’s dedication to the salmon sector, Pye added.

‘This is our commitment to the future of the salmon industry. We have a tremendous belief in the industry.

‘We know it is going to continue to grow and prosper and we are totally committed in playing our part in that.’

Stig Joar Krogli, general manager of the site, said: ‘It’s a fantastic site, producing fantastic quality eggs and it’s a dream to work here – a view of the future, of what we can do.’