BioMar doubles feed production capacity at the Norwegian Myre factory
- This is the best fish feed factory in the world! Production Manager Ivar Ulriksen is in no doubt when he sits in front of the control panel at the Myre factory. BioMar has adopted the very latest and the most advanced extrusion technology, and with the commissioning of the new production line - M225 - and a comprehensive upgrade of the line 1 - the total production capacity of Myre is up to 260,000 tonnes. It is thus more than doubled, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to BioMar.
- BioMar plays an important role, with a high activity level in R&D to ensure that the fish is utilising the feed in the most efficient way. And BioMar make use of new raw materials and new technology, said Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Lisbeth Berg-Hansen when she on June 21st marked the 25th Anniversary of BioMar Norway by conducting the official opening of the production line 2 at Myre:
- I worked for a competing feed producer many years ago, so the words come from the heart. It is important for the aquaculture industry that the suppliers to the industry take responsibility for research in their respective areas. And BioMar is actively working to ensure a sustainable use of our resources, said Lisbeth Berg-Hansen.
During the visit to Myre, the Minister both had a chance to do a walk around in the factory and to participate as guest of honour at a party dinner for 230 guests in the Øksnes Hall.
Torben Svejgaard, CEO of the BioMar Group said at the occasion that Norway is the largest and most important single market for BioMar. The investment in the factory at Myre is the largest BioMar has ever done - and it shows that BioMar is committed to continued development in Norway. This is underlined by the fact that the decision to expand in Norway was taken when the financial crisis was at its worst.
Jan Sverre Røsstad, Vice President, BioMar North Sea, said that the expansion of the Myre factory has involved a cost of around NKR 380 million.
This fall the factory will both produce pellets in 500-kilo batches - i.e. big bags, such as today -and in bulk, where the finished pellets are transported on a closed conveyor belt directly into the delivery boats. This places extra demands on the physical quality of the pellets. BioMar will soon be the first to introduce environmentally friendly delivery boats with gas (LNG) propulsed engines. These have the advantage of being both cheaper in operation and emitting less CO2 and NOx.
The factory at Myre produces feed for salmon, trout and cod. It is certified according to ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and ISO 22000 (food safety). In addition, BioMar recently obtained the DNV ProSustain certification on sustainability as the first company within the aquaculture business.