Trident Seafoods is selling its seafood-processing plant in Kodiak, Alaska, U.S.A. to Pacific Seafoods.
Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.-based Trident has been seeking a buyer for its Kodiak plant since December 2023, when it announced a broader pullback from operating in Alaska. It subsequently sold off its processing facilities in Petersburg, Ketchikan, and False Pass, and in May 2024, it said it had advanced negotiations on the sale of its Kodiak plant.
The Kodiak plant processes pollock, salmon, Pacific cod, halibut, flatfish, rockfish, crab, and herring. Clackamas, Oregon, U.S.A.-headquartered Pacific Seafood has existing operations in Kodiak and preexisting ties to the Kodiak fleet, according to a press release from both companies.
“Pacific Seafood’s expertise, value-added capabilities, and robust distribution infrastructure position them well to bring immediate value to the wide variety of species harvested in Kodiak,” Trident Seafoods CEO Joe Bundrant said.
Located on Kodiak Island’s northwest corner, the plant is equipped with a fully automated heading and gutting production line for Alaska pollock and salmon, with a daily capacity of 1.5 million pounds of pollock.
The sale is pending due diligence but is expected to be finalized in November 2024, according to Trident. Bundrant, who was born in Kodiak, said he wanted to ensure continuity in the plant’s operations.
“Our top priority is to reassure employees and the fleet that this is a handoff, not a shutdown. We are committed to a smooth transition with Pacific Seafood so they are well-prepared to operate for the 2025 A season,” Bundrant said. “I feel a special connection to the Kodiak community and its people. This is a bittersweet moment for me, but I’m confident that Pacific Seafood is the right partner to serve this community with passion and integrity.”
Pacific Seafood Vice President of Processing Ashton Meier will be in charge of Pacific’s combined Kodiak operations. Pacific President and CEO Frank Dulcich said his company plans to retain all employees who previously worked at Trident’s plant.
“We are excited about this opportunity to expand our Kodiak operations and leverage our diverse national and international distribution channels to provide even more opportunities for Kodiak team members and the fleet,” Dulcich said.
In the release, Trident and Pacific each expressed concern about ...
