Inverness, Scotland-based Gael Force Group, a manufacturer and supplier of equipment, technology, and services to aquaculture and other marine markets, has located its previously-announced Canadian base in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador, the company said on 25 July.
The outpost will service aquaculture producers in the province and across Atlantic Canada with the company’s marine equipment, technology, and services, Gael Force said in a press release.
“Aquaculture has the potential to transform rural economies and we have seen first-hand how this has happened in Scotland over the past 30 years. The similarities between Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland give us tremendous confidence that aquaculture can be transformative for the area,” Gael Force Business Development Director Stephen Divers said. “We have been hugely encouraged by the political support and leadership of the industry in the area and every person we have engaged with too has welcomed the prospect of Gael Force making an inward investment there.”
Gael Force is in the process of building feeding barges and conducting technical service, product development, moorings design and assembly, pen building, cameras and feed system installations, and technical support for new and existing farm sites in Newfoundland and Labrador, according to the company.
“Our aim is to be the trusted supply partner to the industry in Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout Atlantic Canada as [we seek] to grow,” the company said. “[We are] already supporting new business established earlier this year in Atlantic Canada as [we provide] service to Mowi as it grows its operations.”
The company is in the process of hiring staff for its new office, adding to the company’s 240-employee count.
“We are wholly confident that our capability, breadth of product and service range, innovative technologies, and depth of experience, along with a commitment to providing technical support services on the ground, will meet the needs of producers in Atlantic Canada and enable them to safely, securely, and sustainably meet the highest standards of fish husbandry,” Divers said.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources Elvis Loveless also issued a statement upon the opening of the new Gael Force office.
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been working diligently with industry partners to sustainably and safely grow our province’s aquaculture industry and stimulate private sector employment. The forecasted potential of this sector has placed us on the cusp of major growth in our supply sector, and we are pleased to welcome innovative service companies such as Gael Force to our province to provide economic benefits and help drive excellence in this exciting and promising industry,” Loveless said.
Barry Manuel, the mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor, backed aquaculture as an important economic driver in his city.
“We are delighted that Gael Force has set up their operations in Grand Falls-Windsor. Aquaculture will be a very important economic driver in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we are very excited that Gael Force, an important supply chain partner, sees the strategic business advantage of Grand Falls-Windsor,” Manuel said.
Image courtesy of Gael Force
