Fastnet Investment Strengthens Grimsby Seafood Cluster with £2.6M Cold Store Upgrade
Yesterday, Wednesday 16 October 2024, key figures from the UK government and seafood sector gathered in Grimsby to celebrate the opening of Fastnet Fish’s newly upgraded £2.6 million cold storage facility. This significant investment was match-funded by DEFRA’s UK Seafood Fund and represents a major enhancement in the company’s operations, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
The event was attended by influential figures including Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn, DEFRA Fisheries representative Matt Whittles, Seafish Industry Authority CEO Marcus Coleman, Frozen at Sea Fillets Association Executive Director Julie Waites, and Seafood Grimsby & Humber Alliance representative Simon Dwyer.
Fastnet Fish Managing Director, Andrew Weightman, explained that the project has more than doubled the capacity of the company’s temperature-controlled warehouse. He highlighted the facility’s energy efficiency improvements, which align with Fastnet’s commitment to decarbonisation – a significant challenge in the energy-intensive cold storage sector. The upgraded facility now boasts 2,000 additional pallet locations, new dock levellers, and electric forklift trucks. Additionally, a solar PV array has produced 132,000 kWh of electricity in its first year, covering 11% of the cold store’s electricity consumption.
Weightman emphasised that Fastnet’s investment not only strengthens its capacity but also contributes to the local economy. Nearly all the work was carried out by local companies, and new employment opportunities were created, including roles such as cold store managers and multi-drop drivers.
“Delivering a world-class service with a focus on responsible supply is at the heart of our business,” Weightman added. Fastnet Fish is committed to transparency, traceability, and sustainability, holding certifications such as MSC and ASC accreditation and membership in SEDEX and FASFA (Frozen At Sea Fillet Association).
Simon Dwyer, representing the Seafood Grimsby & Humber Alliance, praised Fastnet and the Andrew Marr International Group for being a cornerstone of the Grimsby and Humber seafood cluster. “This investment is part of a wider recent investment in infrastructure in Grimsby, which includes developing the skills of future leaders in the sector.”
Fastnet Fish, part of the Andrew Marr International Group, has been providing high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood since 1980. The group supplies over 45,000 tonnes of seafood annually to various sectors, including food service, fish and chip shops, and food manufacturers, with its products found in every major UK supermarket and many of the country’s finest restaurants.
