Quin-Sea Fisheries and Quinlan Brothers’ Gulf Shrimp Limited processing plant in Newfoundland, Canada, was completely destroyed in a fire on 15 May.
The processing plant at Black Duck Cove in Newfoundland, operated by Quin-Sea Fisheries subsidiary Gulf Shrimp, experienced a “devastating fire,” on Wednesday evening, according to a statement from the company. The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation.
All employees were evacuated without harm, but the plant is a total loss.
“The loss is devastating for our employees, seafood suppliers, the community, and the company,” Gulf Shrimp said. “We wish to emphasize, however, that we are resilient, well-established Newfoundland business. At this time, we are doing everything reasonably possible to meet the challenges we all now must face.”
Gulf Shrimp immediately made plans to provide employment to all of its production employees and staff from its Black Duck Cove plant at other processing facilities in Newfoundland. Its processing facilities at Old Perlican are able to accommodate all of the Black Duck Cove workforce, Gulf Shrimp said.
“Employment will require temporary relocation. However, the company will provide accommodation and relocation allowances for all its employees to ensure they secure meaningful seasonal employment,” the supplier said.
Gulf Shrimp will also ensure that all of the fishing enterprises that it depends on for raw materials “will be serviced consistently and without any disruption to their operations,” the supplier said.
“Our immediate priority will focus on the displaced workers at Black Duck Cove. We know this will be challenging for our employees, but at times like this, we know we can overcome even the greatest of threats when we collectively are determined to do so,” it said.
Gulf Shrimp also thanked its suppliers, employees, and the community for their support.
Gulf Shrimp has operated the Black Duck Cove facility since 2003.
