LIGHTHOUSE Caledonia plans to refurbish and reopen the Marybank processing plant in Stornoway this summer, with the creation of around 90 jobs.

The company has also announced the appointment of a new CEO following the March 3^rd departure of OddGeir Oddsen as CEO and Managing Director.

Lighthouse Caledonia says the re-opening of their Western Isles processing plant in order to process the salmon that will start to be harvested this summer from its Loch Roag site in the Outer Hebrides. This will ensure a fresh and superior quality of salmon can be produced.

Jim Mullins, Chairman of Lighthouse Caledonia, said: “We are pleased to report we are reopening the processing plant at Marybank bringing almost 100 jobs to Stornoway.

“The need for a factory is immediate in order to deal with this harvest in the freshest way. We believe that by harvesting and processing the fish locally, we can produce a Hebridean salmon product that is of the highest quality.”

The company was recently granted planning permission to build a new plant at Arnish Point, however in order to meet the immediate demand, it will utilise its existing site which was shut down in late 2008.

Jim added: “Over the past year, the company has made huge steps forward in terms of sustainability and strengthening the business, working tirelessly to bring jobs back to the island. We are delighted to be realising that goal. By reopening the Marybank plant, we can offer jobs immediately. 

“Salmon farming is a global industry and we are working closely with our staff, suppliers and customers, as well as the local authorities in the Highlands and Islands, to ensure that Hebridean salmon earns a quality reputation on the international markets and that we remain competitive in the long term.”

Marybank will be one of the only processing plants in the world that can produce ‘pre-rigor, pin bone out’ fillets which offer optimum freshness. Lighthouse Caledonia say they will start a recruitment campaign at the beginning of April.

Lighthouse Caledonia ASA has also announced that it has secured the appointment of Mike Corbett as the company's new Chief Executive. He will take up the post at the end of April 2010.

Mr Corbett is currently a General Manager within the Health Service Executive in Ireland. He has also worked extensively in Scotland where his roles included Assistant Director of Finance in Lothian Health Board and Divisional General Manager within Lothian University Hospitals Trust. He has also operated as General Manager for Hospital Services at Western Isles Health Board. He has an MA degree and is a Chartered Accountant.

Announcing the appointment, Jim Mullins said: "I am delighted that we were able to identify and secure Mike's appointment. He comes from a complex sector, where managing the many and diverse aspects of an organisation needs a coherent and focussed approach. He, therefore, has the core skills Lighthouse Caledonia needs to manage and grow its business in a structured and strategic way for all our staff, customers and suppliers."

"It is also important that we have someone who knows the Western Isles and Scotland well. Mike lived and worked in Scotland for many years and is passionate about achieving a world renowned Scottish salmon company."