Meridian Salmon to create eight new jobs in former Mid Yell crab factory

Eight jobs will be created in Yell following moves by Meridian Salmon Group to breathe new life into the isle’s vacant crab factory close to its existing base.

The company plans to double its processing capacity when it develops its new processing plant in the factory. It has already acquired the empty crab factory at Mid Yell and plans to fit it out with “ultra modern” and “highly-efficient equipment”.

Meridian says the new plant will operate the highest quality and food safety standards when it opens in September. The building’s location played a major factor in the company’s decision to expand.

Willie Young of Meridian said: “Acquiring the old crab factory was an ideal solution to expand our processing capacity. The location of our crab factory was key in our decision, being located next to our existing facility will ensure a smooth transition to our new plant.

“Work has already begun and, all going well, we will hopefully be operational by the first week of September 2013. Employees are at the heart of our business so we are absolutely delighted that we are able to invest back into the local community of Yell and Unst with the creation of these eight extra jobs.”

Meridian Salmon Group employs 350 people in Scotland, particularly in small communities in Shetland, Orkney and the West Coast. It operates at 61 sea sites and 19 freshwater sites across Scotland and Cumbria.

The company operates a combined integration processes involving salmon breeding, hatchery, farming and processing.