Vaccinator shows Norwegian intent
Aqualife, the Stirling-based vaccination and fish care firm, has established a Norwegian limited company.
Called Aqualife Services AS, it will conduct all of the company’s business in Norway and is a strong statement of intent regarding the firm’s commitment to that market.
Ronnie Soutar, Aqualife’s MD, explains to Fish Farming Expert: “Although Aqualife has been very successful in Norway, with about a quarter share of the country’s fish vaccination market, there has been some feeling that we were outsiders. By establishing the new Norwegian company, we are demonstrating our commitment to Norwegian aquaculture.”
At the same time, he points out, it means that the Stirling office can concentrate on the Scottish sector.
“Some Scottish customers felt that Aqualife was focused on Norway, concentrating our resources there to the detriment of business in Scotland. We hope to have addressed that through the merger with Salmovac last September and will now have dedicated Operations and Quality Assurance systems to ensure our Scottish customers get the best possible service”.
The merger has allowed the company to consolidate its position as the largest fish vaccination service operating in Scotland and Norway – employing up to 35 people in Scotland and 50 in Norway, in peak season, and vaccinating over 100 million fish a year. In future, Aqualife staff will be employed either through the original parent company or through the new Aqualife Services AS, depending on location.
Although registered in Lofoten, Ronnie points out that "management staff will be home-based and highly mobile".
He has also indicated that the company expects to announce a significant appointment to their Norwegian management before the start of the new vaccination season next month.
