Omega Protein closes plant as part of strategic plan

Omega Protein on Tuesday announced a plan to streamline its Gulf of Mexico operations and increase efficiencies through the permanent closure of the company’s menhaden fish processing plant located in Cameron, La. and the redeployment of certain vessels from that plant.

Of the 7 vessels that fished from Cameron in 2013, the Company expects to reassign 4 vessels to its other Gulf of Mexico operations for fishing in 2014.

The decision to close the facility and redeploy the vessels of the result of the fish oil producer’s efforts to improve financial performance by increasing the utilization of its existing assets and reducing maintenance-related capital expenditures. After a review of its fishing facility operations and anticipated future capital requirements, the company believes that consolidating its two western Gulf of Mexico facilities into a single facility based in Abbeville, La. would improve long term operating and capital efficiencies.

“In 2013 we advanced our goal of building a more balanced nutrition company, and while we made a tough, strategic decision to close our Cameron facility, we believe this will better position us for future growth as we consolidate operations and reallocate assets in the Gulf to create a more efficient fishing operation,” commented Bret Scholtes, Omega Protein president and CEO.

“Going forward, we expect to continue to experience robust demand for our products and our team remains focused on enhancing control over the manufacturing process, creating avenues for organic growth, and developing additional value-added products.”
It is not known at this time how many or which employees will be rehired at other Omega Protein facilities.

Omega Protein expects the closure process to begin immediately and to occur over the course of 12 to 24 months. The company expects to recognize impairment, lease termination and employee-related charges of USD 8 (EUR 5.8 million) to USD 12 million (EUR 8.7 million), primarily in the fourth quarter of 2013; additional decommissioning and other charges may also be recognized in the future.

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