Seatrade procures new scallop, lobster processing facility

Seatrade International Co. has acquired a new 66,000 square foot scallop processing facility in New Bedford, Mass., according to a company release.

The American Holdco Group (AHG) subsidiary intends to relocate its fresh scallop and lobster processing operations to the new facility, which was formerly run by Mar-Lees Seafood. The new facility is expected to increase efficiency and improve capacity for Seatrade and – thanks to the inclusion of lobster processing duties – could add as many as 200 new employees to the company’s workforce.

Seatrade’s ever-expanding finfish processing business will remain at the company’s current New Bedford location – 8 South Street. The South Street location will also undergo renovation to accommodate expansion plans. Meanwhile, all frozen scallop processing will continue to be based out of the company’s Lakeville, Mass. facility.

“This new processing facility (which we intend to be re-certified as BRC) will propel growth throughout the company’s network of operations and allow for an increase in the processing and sales of other seafood products. It is a positive move for our stakeholders throughout the supply chain – fishermen, employees and buyers of seafood. We are proud to provide a sustainable business model for our employees as well as our valued customers and suppliers,” remarked Michael Tourkistas, President and CEO of AHG, regarding the acquisition.

Seatrade is a sister company to East Coast Seafood, one of the largest providers of North American live lobster and Maine Fair Trade Lobster out of Gouldsboro, Maine. Other AHG subsidiaries include Paturel International Company, Canadian Gold Seafood Company and Worldwide Perishables Enterprises. The acquisition of the new facility for Seatrade serves to reflect the broader commitment made by AHG and its subsidiaries to offer “meaningful employment opportunities to individuals in communities in underserved employment areas,” according to Tourkistas.

“Providing workforce opportunities in coastal New England, is an important part of our sustainable business practice,” Tourkistas concluded.

Seatrade, alongside its affiliated companies, made our list of the Top 25 North American Seafood Suppliers in 2015. Review the list here: http://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/the-top-25-north-american-seafood-suppliers