10 April, 2008

A SHETLAND mussel growing firm has expanded by taking over a rival company on the west side of the islands.

Walls-based family run business North Atlantic Shellfish yesterday (Wednesday) announced they had acquired Shetland Mussels Ltd, which has growing sites at Bixter, Weisdale Voe and Clift Sound.

Managing director Richard Tait described the new acquisition as “a successful and well run company”, which they would keep as a separate business using their own harvesting and processing equipment to prepare the mussels for export.

Mr Tait said: “This strategic move will help strengthen our overall position but will not see any dramatic changes in the way that we operate.

“However, having three new areas to harvest from will mean that we are in a better position to offer a year round supply, which is good news for our customers and also for our employees.”

North Atlantic already have 13 mussel farms on Shetland’s west side, employing 17 people in the farming, harvesting and processing operations. This year they aim to harvest around 700 tonnes of mussels.