Gael Force unveils new Canadian base
Inverness-headquartered aquaculture supplier Gael Force Group has set up a new base in Newfoundland and Labrador to serve customers in Atlantic Canada.
The company announced plans to expand into Canada in September last year and is in the process of building feed barges on the country’s east coast. Fish Farming Expert understands the barges are for Mowi, which is expanding in Atlantic Canada.
In a press release, Gael Force said it will be supporting its customers with sales and technical service, product development, moorings design and assembly, pen building, cameras and feed system installations and technical support for fish farm site installations from the new base on Maloney Street in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, immediately off the Trans-Canada Highway.
‘Transformative for area’
Stephen Divers, business development director at Gael Force, said: “Aquaculture has the potential to transform rural economies and we have seen first-hand how this has happened in Scotland over the past 30 years.
“The similarities between Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland give us tremendous confidence that aquaculture can be transformative for the area.”
He added: “We have been hugely encouraged by the political support and leadership of the industry in the area and every person we have engaged with too has welcomed the prospect of Gael Force making an inward investment there.”
Economic benefits
Elvis Loveless, Parliamentary Secretary to the province’s Department of Fisheries and Land Resources, said: “The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been working diligently with industry partners to sustainably and safely grow our province’s aquaculture industry and stimulate private sector employment.
“The forecasted potential of this sector has placed us on the cusp of major growth in our supply sector, and we are pleased to welcome innovative service companies such as Gael Force to our province to provide economic benefits and help drive excellence in this exciting and promising industry.”
Grand Falls-Windsor mayor Barry Manuel said “We are delighted that Gael Force has set up their operations in Grand Falls-Windsor. Aquaculture will be a very important economic driver in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we are very excited that Gael Force, an important supply chain partner, sees the strategic business advantage of Grand Falls-Windsor.”
