A significant milestone is being marked today in Marystown.

Grieg Seafood Newfoundland‘s Placentia Bay aquaculture facility is marking its official grand opening.

A long list of dignitaries were on hand for the event this morning including federal and provincial government officials, company representatives and the Ambassador to Norway.

The plant includes a grow-out facility, with the first fish expected to be transferred into the ocean this spring and summer.

Last year’s initial transfer was delayed to this season after a suspected detection of Infectious Salmon Anemia. All subsequent samples were analyzed and came back negative, but the company decided to postpone the transfer under an abundance of caution.

First harvest is expected next year. The facility currently employs some 85 people from Marystown and the surrounding area.

Human Resources Manager with Grieg Seafood, Perry Power, says the Grieg is here to stay.

He says a facility like this one takes a significant investment, which shows that the parent company is here for the long term. He says it will provide a sustainable industry with good-paying jobs for decades to come.