Norwegian specialist supplier MMC First Process has contracted to delivery technology and equipment to the land-based aquaculture installation for rainbow trout in Chiba, east of Tokyo, being built by FRD Japan.
Production has been tested on a small scale, and FRD Japan, partially owned by the Mitsui Group, is now ready to scale up. The Chiba location provides ready access to a sought-after market for premium quality fish.
MMC First Process will deliver a complete fish-handling system, including sub-systems for smolts and fully-grown fish. The contract includes fish pumps, grading machines, valve systems and automation for fish-handling.
‘We have worked closely together with FRD Japan since 2021 on planning the installation. We have established the relationships and confidence needed to be able to negotiate a contract,’ said Børre Waagan, Sales Director Onshore Aqua in MMC First Process.
‘This contract promises to be an important door-opener to the Asian market, and we are hard at work on several similar projects where FRD Japan will be a valuable reference.’
The parties have visited one another several times for business meetings and visits to installations to see MMC equipment and systems in use, a stimulating and informative process.
‘We are proud to have secured such an important contract for further development and growth,’ said FRD Japan’s CEO, Tez Sogo.
‘It has been important for us to engage cutting-edge expertise, so that we can satisfy the market’s quality expectations. With MMC First Process’s experience we are confident that our logistical needs for handling fish will be met safely and efficiently.’
Børre Waagan added that working with FRD Japan is always an exciting process.
‘We share a constant focus on fish welfare and that has been crucial. Fish welfare and product quality go together and we both agree that top quality is the only acceptable standard. I now look forward to seeing the installation in operation and tasting the fantastic food,’ he said.
