Stapley steps down as Rosyth losses mount
Andy Stapley has stepped down as Managing Director of Marine Harvest Consumer Products, in the wake of another challenging quarter for the company’s VAP venture in Rosyth.
Somewhat ironically, the man once known as ‘The Bus Driver’, for his ability to drive a team, has been replaced by Bertil Buysse, the company’s Operations & Sourcing Director in Europe.
Losses in the Rosyth entity in the first quarter were €7.7 million, according to the company’s Q1 report, actions have been taken to improve efficiency and yield.
However, the report warns that “the coming months will remain challenging for this entity, with a likely loss of approximately €4 million in the second quarter”, although Buysse has been tasked with ensuring the company breaks even by Q3.
A statement issued by the MH Board explained: “The Board is disappointed with the situation at our processing plant in Rosyth and management changes have been implemented. Execution of the recovery plan is vital, however, the Board is pleased to note the excellent customer relationship being maintained through this challenging start-up period. The underlying improvements within other entities of Consumer Products are positive.”
On a more positive note, the report notes that: “Many of the chilled and fresh business lines continue to deliver improved earnings in spite of significant increase in raw material prices. Many operational processes and routines have been improved in the last year and the Board expects further improvements in the periods to come.”
