It’s a few weeks since Havfront, the Måløy-based developer and producer of robust heading and gutting machines for both seagoing and shore-based whitefish handling, announced that it had no choice but to shut its doors as the company opted for voluntary insolvency.
Now a strategic move has been made by Mustad Autoline to acquire the assets and skills of Havfront, with the intention of transferring production to its Gjøvik base.
‘The market situation has been challenging for us in the past six months. In 2024 we have experienced a very abrupt decline in orders, and this has continued to this day. It also doesn’t look like this will improve in the next few years,’ a Havfront representative stated as the company announced its insolvency a few weeks ago.
‘This is mainly due to the decline in cod quota, general cost increases for all and consequently lower investments in the market. Many potential customers have had to withdraw as a result of the lack of funding.’
Now Mustad Autoline has announced its acquisition of Havfront’s assets, stating that this ‘a strategic takeover is an important step in our growth strategy and strengthens our market position’ as the move secures jobs and retains expertise.
‘We have great respect for the work done at Havfront. Considerable effort has been put into developing this activity, which has resulted in the production of very good, high-quality products.’
Mustad Autoline aims to retain key personnel from Havfront to preserve important expertise, ensuring continuity in both customer contact, development and production.
‘We are now in a takeover phase and it will take some time before we are fully operational on parts deliveries and service. We are already in dialogue with customers and will keep the market continuously updated,’ Mustad Autoline stated.
The acquisition of Havfront provides Mustad Autoline with an additional product to the existing product range, which is currently produced in its entirety at Gjøvik. The Havfront products, smaller processing machines for whitefish, are based on similar technology and production processes which Mustad Autoline sees as a good fit for its factory’s existing production facilities.
‘The takeover of the Havfront assets is a strategically important decision for Mustad Autoline,’ said managing director Anders Frisinger.
‘Havfront’s product design and technical solutions are completely on par with those of Mustad Autoline and fit in well with the company’s vertical integration. Mustad Autoline thinks long-term and we have ambitions for the future of Havfront products.’
