National seafood group KB Seafood will be taking over operational control of Indian Ocean Rock Lobster’s Cervantes processing facility, in a move that doubles its capacity in WA.
National seafood group KB Seafood will be taking over operational control of Indian Ocean Rock Lobster’s Cervantes processing facility, in a move that doubles its capacity in WA.
From July 1, KB Seafood will assume operational control of the lobster processing plant and bring on board its workforce of 20 employees.
KB Seafood will lease and manage the facility, which will remain under the Thompson family’s ownership through Indian Ocean Rock Lobster.
One of WA’s most prominent fishing families, the Thompsons have been crayfishing, processing and supplying both domestic and international markets for almost 20 years.
The family-owned business will now focus on its crayfishing business and running its well-known Lobster Shack restaurant in Cervantes.
Indian Ocean Rock Lobster owner David Thompson said the deal was a win-win for both companies, as well as the local community.
“This new arrangement means we can better focus on our two great passions, fishing, and running our ever-growing tourism business, The Lobster Shack, based in Cervantes,” he said.
“The deal with KB Seafood provides a continuation of operations and support for the town of Cervantes and surrounding areas, and with KB employing all existing processing staff, it means their jobs are secure which was a vital part of the agreement for our family.”
Under the deal, KB Seafood will continue to purchase crayfish caught by Indian Ocean Rock Lobster, and other fisherman in the region, to process at the facility.
Once integrated with its Canning Vale facility, the deal will boost KB Seafood's processing capacity in Western Australia to 2 million kilograms annually.
KB Seafood chief executive Tim Storey said the deal was tremendous news for both companies and demonstrated their commitment to the industry’s growth.
“Indian Ocean is a long‑standing family business with a high-performing workforce and a great reputation in the industry,” he said.
“Keeping staff employed will mean the company culture will be maintained and important relationships and customer links are not lost.
“Our immediate focus will be ensuring a smooth transition, maintaining continuity of service, and preserving the strong relationships that have been built with fishers, customers, and suppliers.”
KB Seafood is majority owned by China-based, Hong Kong-listed company Legend Holdings, which bought into the business from Kailis Bros in 2016.
It exports 80 per cent of its product to China, followed by Japan, France, Thailand and the United State, and employees 300 staff nationally, including 130 in Perth.
