Kristian B. Matthiasson is the new Factory Manager of Grieg Seafood's processing plant in Gardermoen, which will be operational in autumn 2025.
Photo: Grieg Seafood.
In February, we learned that Grieg Seafood would be setting up a new value-added processing plant in Gardermoen at Oslo Airport, Norway, starting operations during the summer of 2025. Now, the Norwegian company has announced the appointment of Kristian B. Matthiasson, as Factory Manager of the new facility which, according to his comments, will delay start-up until next year's fall.
As said, Grieg's new processing factory will be located in Oslo Airport City at Gardermoen. It will have an annual processing capacity of 10,000 – 12,000 tonnes (HOG equivalent), with an option of increasing it to 20,000 tonnes later. With an investment of NOK 130 million (EUR 10.7 million / USD 11.7 million), the project will create 50 to 60 new jobs.
The person chosen to develop the organization and "optimize operations to drive excellence" at the new plant is Kristian B. Matthiasson. The company has described his role as "pivotal" as he will focus on strategic objectives and be a crucial catalyst in identifying and implementing initiatives that contribute to the factory's success.
"I look forward to starting as General Manager at Grieg's state-of-the-art processing plant at Gardermoen," Kristian B. Matthiasson said commenting on his appointment. "The production of salmon has always been close to my heart, and I look forward to becoming part of the Grieg family."
"At the new factory in Gardermoen, we should have every opportunity to produce safe and high-quality products in a sustainable, efficient, and reliable manner," he continued. "There is much to be done before we receive our first fish in the fall of 2025, and I am excited to take on this work."
At the last edition of the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Grieg Seafood signed an agreement with Baader to supply a complete processing line, from raw material reception to finished product packaging, for the new plant in Gardermoen. At the time, Modulf Barstad, Vice President of Sales for Baader Norway, emphasized that this plant was "destined to set a new standard for the salmon industry."
The newly appointed Facility Manager, who will be responsible for its implementation, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. In addition to being one of its founders, Kristian B. Matthiasson previously served as CEO of Arnarlax. Moreover, he also has experience as CEO of Leines Seafood, a processing company that mainly produced frozen portions for Aldi.
According to Grieg Seafood's statement, all of this equips him with the skills and knowledge to lead the upcoming processing plant in Gardermoen. "Kristian brings expertise and a solid vision to drive our organization forward," the company stated.
Grieg Seafood's Chief Commercial Officer, Erik Holvik, agrees. "I am thrilled that Kristian, with his extensive expertise and valuable experience in the seafood industry, will be a crucial player in our VAP project," he stated. "His leadership and vision will be instrumental in the project's success, and we are excited to have him on board."