Coles’ seafood appetite boosts Sealord job numbers
Demand from Australian supermarket chain Coles has seen Sealord introduce new hours and more jobs at its Nelson factory.
The Nelson-based seafood company made the announcement of a new night shift in its coated products factory to supply the Australian supermarket chain during a meeting with representatives from the Nelson City Council.
The new shift will bring more than 30 new jobs to Nelson.
Sealord chief executive Steve Yung said Coles had added eight new Sealord products to its shelves, bringing the total range of Sealord products offered by Coles to 14.
It was that expanded distribution that warranted a third shift in its coated products division.
‘‘This is exciting news for Sealord, and demonstrates the high level of confidence that one of Australia’s major supermarket chains has in our brand,’’ Yung said.
‘‘Thanks to all of our employees onshore and at sea for demonstrating that not only can we meet Coles’ requirements for high quality products, but that it arrives on time, in the quantities they need and is presented in an attractive and appealing range for their customers.’’
Recruitment has begun for the new shift which is due to start by November 1. Employees will work from 10pm to 6am.
In addition to the land-based factory positions created by the new night shift, Sealord was also recruiting for the 80 new positions for its new state-of-the art vessel, due to arrive in Nelson next May.
Yung said a total of 110 new jobs would be created within Sealord at that time.
Sealord employs up to 950 staff at times, comprising up to 400 at sea, up to 400 in land-based jobs and about 150 in support roles such as administration, marketing, finance and IT.
Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese, city councillors Tim Skinner, Ian Barker, Gaile Noonan, Bill Dahlberg and Stuart Walker were given an overview of the company’s operations by management.
They then donned hairnets and gumboots for a tour of the wetfish and coated products factory floors.
Sealord general manager of fishing Doug Paulin said the response from the councillors at the meeting had been ‘‘very positive.’’
‘‘They’re happy to see the investment in Nelson and to see the area is still growing.’’
Reese welcomed the news of the new jobs, and praised the company’s contribution to the local economy.
‘‘Its continued investment in the future of its business and its people is very important to the region,’’ she said.
‘‘While its reach is global, when you visit Sealord at the port there is no doubt Nelson is Sealord’s home.’’