One of Shetland's largest salmon processors, Lerwick Fish Traders (LFT), plan to undertake a major expansion and development project at their salmon processing facility in Lerwick.

LFT plan to build an extension to its existing factory in Lerwick and install the latest processing equipment.  Currently the plant produces finished and semi-finished salmon products for buyers across the UK, but the new extension will allow LFT to expand its services to include a new smoked range of products.

Shetland Enterprise is investing £230,000 in the £3 million project.  This development will not only secure the posts of 170 people already employed by LFT but also has the potential to create many new posts.

Michael Stark from LFT said: "We hope that this project will not only provide a state of the art facility in Shetland which produces high quality, high value products but will also help the local salmon industry to remain viable."

Mr Stark continued: "We are very thankful for the financial assistance from Shetland Enterprise, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network, Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Development Trust and the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD)."

LFT supply products to their existing customers through Shetland Products Limited (SPL).  Both LFT and SPL operate under parent company, Hjaltland Seafarms UK Ltd Group (HSF) - the largest employer in salmon rearing, processing and sales in Shetland, and the third largest Scottish salmon group. 

A key strength of this group is their unique ability to provide a fully integrated production, harvesting, processing and sales service

David Watson, development manager with Shetland Enterprise, said: "This development will allow LFT to advance production methods and create a more diversified and expanded product and service mix.  This should help improve profitability, helping to secure the future of seven farms in the HSF group as well as several other independent farms in Shetland.

"Not only will this project play a key role in safeguarding existing jobs on Shetland's fish farms and provide an opportunity for growth in this industry in the future, it will also support many more jobs within Shetland's ancillary businesses."