Icelandic seafood company HB Grandi has announced its intention to cease its groundfish processing operations in the port town of Akranes and has entered into talks with union representatives regarding the impact that this move might have for employees.
The company plans to merge its Akranes groundfish processing operations with those that it has in Reykjavik. Approximately 270 people are currently employed by HB Grandi in Akranes, including 93 in groundfish processing.
In addition to the groundfish processing plant, HB Grandi's operations in Akranes include a vessel repair workshop, a fishmeal plant and a capelin processing plant, as well as the subsidiaries Nordanfiskur and Vignir G Jonsson.
HB Grandi said it intends to further develop these operations and strengthen their operations in Akranes, but at present, Akranes does not have the facilities to process all groundfish catches from HB Grandi’s fresh fish trawlers. However, the company said it is in negotiations with local authorities in Akranes to add more facilities in meet the company's needs.
