Engineering firm's big catch

A local engineering firm have netted a multimillion-dollar contract to build replacement fish pens for New Zealand King Salmon.

Cuddon have been awarded a $2million contract to build replacement pens at Otanerau farm in the Queen Charlotte Sound it has been revealed today.

The move will see the Blenheim business create four huge 40metre by 40 metres pens, each holding between be 75,000 to 100,000 fish.

Cuddon CEO Terry Duff says the successful bid will help create 12 new jobs and support wider industry across Marlborough as well as work experience programmes.

“We are proud to be working with NZKS on their development and renewal projects.

“The award of this recent project will provide a good base workload for the coming year, where currently Cuddon support the development of local skills including employing 12 apprentices and supporting NMIT and Marlborough Boys College work experience programmes.

“Not only does this provide work for our workshop, it also supports our local industry that includes painting and transport contractors.”

Cuddon has provided NZKS engineering support since 1989, designing, developing and manufacturing floating pens and barge projects.

NZKS Seawater Manager Mark Preece says Cuddon was the clear leader for the contract.

It was a competitive process but Cuddon came out on top as they could produce a product with the right specifications, he says.

“We like to support local industry wherever possible so it’s great this contract went to Cuddon who have the design skills and know how to complete the job.

“The last pens have done an amazing job to last 25 years but it was time to replace them and we know Cuddon will do an incredible job.”

The pens are made of steel pipe and two will be in place at the end of August and the other two will be in place at the end of February 2022.