Nova Sea announces collaboration with BAADER on new NOK 2 billion fish processing plant

Luebeck, Germany-based food processing equipment manufacturer BAADER announced it is beginning a new project with a Norwegian partner that it calls its “most monumental project.”

The new project, which BAADER said is being undertaken via a collaboration with Norwegian processing company Nova Sea, is the company’s most ambitious project to date, it said. Through the new project, BAADER said it will deliver a wall-to-wall factory solution at Nova Sea’s new salmon factory in Lovund, Norway.

The new facility in Lovund, Norway will comprise an investment of NOK 2 billion (USD 178.7 million, EUR 169 million), Nova Sea said. Through the partnership, the new facility will include a state-of-the-art gutting system capable of processing 150 salmon per minute, the company said in a release.

“We have always believed in pushing the boundaries of innovation and this project with NOVA SEA is proof of that,” BAADER Fish CEO Robert Focke said in a release. “Not only is this our largest fish project, but it also embodies our commitment to efficiency, hygiene, and transparency.”

In addition to its processing capacity, the company said it also plans to minimize human contact on the production line, as well as produce superior consistency, through extensive automation. BAADER said it plans to use it's quite of core machines, its BAADER 1860 Fillet Inspector, and other products as a complete factory setup.

BAADER added that the new project will also be the introduction of the “BAADER 102,” a stun and bleed system it calls a “first for the industry.”

Nova Sea CEO Tom Eirik Aasjord said choosing BAADER for the ambitious new factory will enable it to produce a superior product.

“We have a burning desire to produce world-class salmon in balance with responsibility in everything we do. For our employees, there is only one way to produce NOVA SEA salmon; with care,” Aasjord said. “Our focus on caring production has set a challenging criteria list for our new factory. We are proud to announce our partnership with BAADER, a company synonymous with holistic solutions that enhance value, safety, and efficiency - some of our top criteria.”

Nova Sea announced the resumption of construction of the new facility on 12 September, and said the groundbreaking is slated for April 2024. If everything goes according to the company’s plans, the new slaughterhouse will be operational in 2026.

“The old slaughterhouse is outdated and cramped. We must have a new slaughterhouse to keep up with developments in the industry. With this investment, we will have a state-of-the-art and future-oriented slaughterhouse at Lovund,” Aasjord said. “This provides an even better everyday life both for our fish and for our employees.”  

Photo courtesy of BAADER