December 12, 2017

BioMar to build aqua feed plant in Tasmania, Australia

BioMar Australia has disclosed plans to establish a $56 million aqua feed production facility in Tasmania, Australia.

The development would provide a significant boost to the local economy, job creation and Tasmania's growing aquaculture industry, BioMar said.

Dr. Paddy Campbell, managing director of BioMar UK, Australia and the Northern Sea Region said the proposal would bring world class fish feed innovation and production facilities to Wesley Vale in northern Tasmania.

"Once operational, the facility will produce up to 110,000 tonnes per annum of aqua feed product to support the aquaculture industry," Dr. Campbell said, noting that 55 full time jobs along with an additional 30 are expected to be created across the region "through indirect support, operational, port services and logistical roles."

The BioMar Group are leaders in the research and development of sustainable, high performance feed and look forward to welcoming Australia in to their global network.

BioMar holds a well-established position in Tasmania as the leading supplier of high-quality fish feed for Atlantic salmon, since entering the local market in 2003. Currently, one in every three farmed salmon in Tasmania is fed BioMar fish feed products, which are currently being exported from Scotland.

"We are very grateful for the Tasmania Liberal Government's commitment of $2.3 million towards this project and the support and of the Office of the Coordinator-General in securing the site in Wesley Vale," Dr. Campbell said.

BioMar is proposing to construct the new aqua feed production plant on the site of a former particle board manufacturing mill located at 329 Mill Road in Wesley Vale.

"This development proposal will also remediate and revitalise the Mill Road site, which has remained empty and abandoned for some time now," Dr. Campbell commented.

"We are currently in conversation with the local community to seek their input and feedback on the proposal concept, and we look forward to continuing this conversation throughout the development and construction phase of the project."