Salmon processing factory opens in Timaru

Inspecting the processing room of Mt Cook Alpine Salmon's new $6 million processing factory in Washdyke, Timaru, after its official opening on Monday are (from left) general manager Janine Tulloch, plant manager Brent Keelty and chairman Jim Bolger.

Mr Keelty said the factory would allow the company to transfer the processing of its salmon - which it farms in the Tekapo and Ohau hydro canals - from Sonter Seafoods' factory in Christchurch.

Although designed to process 3000 tonnes at full capacity, the plant would handle about 700 tonnes in its first year, of which about 95% would be exported.

The factory had created 17 new jobs, and that number would increase to about 25 within the next 12 months, he said.