- UK exports to begin next month
- Felivaru developed, new machinery installed
- Production capacity at 50 tons
"Fasmeeru" canned tuna is a household name; from its humble beginnings in Maldives, the product had reached the shelves of European markets. When MIFCO was split in 2010, the fish factory suffered, with production plummeting to 15 metric tons from a high of 50 metric tons. The Government last year, initiated a reform program for the company. The first phase of the project is completed, with the company now ready to restart export to Europe markets.
"This is now almost complete, we're now conducting customer audits. Ninety percent of audit is completed. We can begin exporting to Europe in the coming month," Felivaru Fisheries Complex Assistant Regional Manager Hamid Nazim said.
Major investments to upgrade quality
US$ 2 million was pumped into renovating and revamping the factory floor. New machinery equipped with state of art technology had been brought into the company as detailed below.
Three new lines to clean fish
Previously three lines were used to clean fish brought into the factory. An additional three lines were added to the factory floor. With the new additions, at full capacity the factory can produce 50 tons of canned fish a day.
Two new packshapers added
Two new packshapers were added to the factory, to form and fit fish to the cans.
Brand new four retorts
Only one retort was used in the factory. With the changes, two new retorts were added which cooked the fish twice for preservation. The cans will be sterilized at 117 degrees.
Two new cookers had also been added to the factory floor, with the capability to cook and cool the fish prior to packing.
Can production facility
Felivaru is the only facility in the Maldives that produces their own cans. The factory produces 48,000 cans. The refuse from the factory is exported to India.
With the restart of exports to European markets next month, Felivaru is expected to pick up local production and in turn give a better price for local fish exports.
