Hofseth and Optimar improve food safety and boost capacity by 70%
Hofseth’s upgraded processing facility in Ålesund is set to become one of the largest in Norway. With cutting-edge equipment from Optimar, the company is increasing its theoretical gutting capacity from 65 to 115 fish per minute.
– A nearly 70% increase allows us to position ourselves for continued growth and become a strategic partner for others in the industry, says Finn Olaf Stokkereit, CTO at Hofseth.
In addition to increasing processing speed, the delivery includes a modern vacuum system and automated cleaning systems. These upgrades will improve food safety and make daily operations easier for staff at the facility.
– Optimar’s equipment gives us confidence that we can deliver safe food
– With these new automated cleaning systems, we’re moving away from heavy manual processes that require disassembly and climbing to ensure proper hygiene. This simplifies our workday, frees up capacity, and reduces the use of chemicals, says Peder G. Iversen, Site Manager at Hofseth.
– Food safety is one of the most important things we work with. Now we can apply both chemical and thermal cleaning methods at different stages of the production process. Optimar’s equipment gives us confidence that we can deliver safe food, adds Stokkereit.
Hofseth and Optimar have a long-standing partnership built on shared innovation in the seafood industry.
– We’re proud that Hofseth has chosen Optimar once again. It’s always rewarding to work with a team that pushes us to find the very best solutions, says Hans Owen Thunem, VP Global Sales Aquaculture at Optimar.
Sustainable and energy-efficient solutions
The upgrade will also help reduce energy use and minimize environmental impact. Additionally, it improves the facility’s ability to handle by-products, which can now be sent directly to Hofseth’s in-house oil production plant.
– This is an important step in our strategy for more efficient and sustainable production. With Optimar’s solutions, we’re not just gaining more capacity – we’re creating a safer process for both people and fish, says Iversen.
Optimar looks forward to completing the delivery and wishes Hofseth the best of luck as the upgraded facility goes into operation in May.
