November 16, 2018 — The following was released by Cooke Seafood:
Cooke Seafood USA has announced additional capabilities, investments, and hires at its Wanchese Fish Company operation located in Suffolk, Virgina. The Wanchese Fish Company facility in Suffolk was purchased by Cooke Seafood USA in 2015 and has quickly become an important asset to the overall company and is providing new growth opportunities with expanded corporate roles and production responsibilities.
Over the next three years, Cooke plans to hire approximately 70 new employees at the Suffolk facility. These new positions include the establishment of the new corporate operations for Cooke Seafood USA and production jobs for new retail seafood production lines. These expansions will include over $2,800,000 in investment at the Suffolk, Virginia location.
“We are excited to further expand our operations here in Suffolk as we solidify our position as a global seafood leader. This new investment will enhance our current capabilities but also provide us with the opportunity for future growth,” said Cooke Seafood USA CEO Ross Butler. He continued, “We would also like to thank the Commonwealth of Virginia and City of Suffolk for its positive business environment that encourages investment.”
Since its acquisition by Cooke Inc. in 2015, Wanchese Fish Company has invested millions of dollars upgrading its facility in Suffolk to be able to process an increased amount of seafood coming into the facility from a variety of the Cooke family of companies around the world. As a result, the company continues to increase its exported products through the Port of Virginia and increased imports into the Port of Virginia from Cooke’s other South American businesses
“Cooke’s investment in Wanchese and in Suffolk generates a tremendous amount of pride for our entire community,” added Mayor Linda T. Johnson. “It is wonderful to see the Suffolk facility and the people employed there become such a valuable asset to Cooke Seafood’s global footprint.”
Cooke Inc. is a family-owned, vertically integrated sea farming and wild fishery corporation. Cooke’s head office is in Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick, Canada, and ships fresh, sustainable seafood products to 65 countries from divisions such as The Wanchese Fish Company. The company has been recognized for its loyalty to employees – who are deeply valued for their hard work and determination. Seafood Source named Cooke as the top-ranked company on the 2018 list of Top Seafood Suppliers in North America, having earned the spot two years in a row. More information can be found at www.cookeseafood.com.