Klaas Puul BV is building the Netherlands’ largest shrimp production and storage complex in the heart of Volendam. The new facility will occupy 5,504 square meters and have capacity to annually process 20,000 tons of coldwater prawns and tropical shrimp under BRC certification standards.
Packing lines will move from current premises in Volendam to the new plant. Thawing and cooking facilities will be relocated to the company’s nearby factory in Edam, which will be expanded by 2,000 square meters.
Plans for construction were on the drawing board in 2012, however, the urgent need to build a new plant in Tangier, Morocco, resulted in postponement of the Volendam project.
“With this construction, future growth is ensured,” said CEO Sander van den Berg.
The grandchildren of Evert Mooijer, founder of Klaas Puul, performed the ceremonial laying of the first stone. In speeches delivered during the festive occasion, Edam-Volendam Aldermen Albert Koning and Hans Schütt emphasized the economic importance of the company to the community, as it is the largest provider of jobs in the municipality.
After the official launch of construction activities, guests were served a culinary shrimp surprise prepared by Chef Sander Looren de Jong. The chef made his name at The Librije and Visaandeschelde restaurants.
About the Company
In business since 1968, Klaas Puul has seven international operations, employs 3,500 people and last year generated approximately EUR 200 million in sales of shrimp, fruits-de-mer components, crayfish and smoked salmon.
In 1980 it began shrimp processing, and a decade later Klaas Puul Maroc Sarl was founded. In 1995 and 1997 two new fish landing stations were opened, respectively, in Rømø, Denmark, and Büsum, Germany. In 2000 a factory in Edam was inaugurated and 10 years later a second plant came on line. In 2006, the acquisition of Atka followed in Puurs, Belgium, and in 2014 the new factory in Tangier opened for business.
