Two New England seafood companies announced this week the reopening of the Prospect Harber lobster processing plant, now under their management after being closed by previous owners more than a year ago.
The 100,000 square-foot building, formerly a lobster processing plant and sardine cannery, recently underwent a redevelopment and retro fit, reopening under the name Maine Fair Trade Lobster. The plant's acquisition was part of a new partnership between Garbo Lobster Co., with headquarters in Maine and Connecticut, and Massachusetts-based East Coast Seafood.
In a statement, both companies said the plant renovation is designed to accommodate an anticipated growth in the workforce, which already has 90 employees. The company is setting a target of 300 employees total in three years’ time.
CEOs of both companies said they want to support the local lobster fishing community.
“Any great business starts with great people,” said Garbo Lobster CEO David Garbo. “Through many a lobster season, we’ve worked closely with the men who fish these local waters. It’s about respect for what they do and how they make their living. We are proud to be a part of that.”
