Bryne, Norway-based AKVA Group, a maker of aquaculture cages and feeding software, has formed a new division to service land-based aquaculture companies in the Americas.
Attributing the move to “strong global growth in the land-based segment,” AKVA has formed its Land Based Americas division with the goal of specializing in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).
“AKVA Group Land Based has experienced strong global growth in sales of recirculated aquaculture systems over recent years. Within the Americas, the delivery of projects into Canada and Chile has been supported by a large experienced team of dedicated professionals,” the company said in a press release. “The Americas team is currently made up of more than 50 full-time staff, including a Chilean based engineering department, project management and installation teams. These teams have worked on projects within the Americas, as well as some of largest global RAS projects in Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Tasmania, Australia.”
The division will be based in Puerto Montt, Chile, and will be led by general manager Mary Ann Rademacher.
Additionally, AKVA has hired Lars Rohold to its sales team for its Land Based division based in Norway. Rohold previously worked in sales and engineering related to RAS technology, and has experience in sales and design of advanced waste treatment systems.
AKVA Group is further committing to RAS services by opening a new office in Trondheim, Norway, dedicated to RAS. Ole Jonny Nyhus, previously a member of AKVA’s land-based division’s engineering department, has been appointed to head the office.
“By establishing a new office we will not only increase our presence in the Norwegian market, but also get closer to our customers,” Nyhus said. “RAS projects are incredibly complex, with advanced technology and major investments in play. Thus, this is an important strategic move to provide our customers with the best possible support throughout the project life.”
AKVA’s land-based division counts more than 160 employees in Norway, Denmark, and Chile.
“We’re experiencing an increased demand for our services and have been growing fast during the last couple of years,” AKVA Land Based CEO Morten Nielsen said. “In 2018, we opened a Sales and Service Office in Bergen, and now we’re expanding further more with an additional office in Trondheim. This will become our head office for RAS projects in Norway.”
Photo courtesy of AKVA Group
