4332:Ocean Fish 18/08/2011 15:43 Page 56
Cornish fishing company Ocean fish are swimming against the tide, and expanding into new larger processing facilities. Construction is under way for their new 2750 square metre factory extension, due to be completed in December 2011. Ocean fish are wholesalers and boat owners supplying all fish indigenous to West Country waters to supermarkets and wholesalers throughout Europe. Ocean fish are proud to hold the MSC chain of custody accreditations for Cornish Mackerel and Sardine fisheries.
The company was founded in 1989 by the Lakeman family, who come from a fishing background in Mevagissey which stretches back several generations. The dire straits of the Cornish fishing industry and the demise of the Mevagissey fisherman’s co-operative motivated them to launch a company which would provide a market for the catches of local fishermen in Mevagissey, and generate employment in the area. From these aspirational but modest beginning Ocean fish has now grown to be a major player in the South West fishing industry, turning over in excess of £16m. Their rapid growth having led to them to outgrow their current premises of 1300 square metres, the decision was made to expand at the existing site which is located only 200 metres from the main A30 trunk road as this favourable location makes onward distribution throughout the UK very easy. As part of the growth in the market, Ocean fish have become a substantial employer in the town with 70 staff, all trained to the exceptionally high standard this company demands. The factory operates to the globally recognized “British Retail Consortium” grade A standard.
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