A multi-million dollar fish factory is opening in Greymouth today, with the promise of more than 50 new jobs for the West Coast by the end of next year.
The $12 million facility, owned by Westfleet Seafoods, had been five years in the planning.
The company now employs about 110 staff and said the new factory would allow it to expand significantly in the next few years.
Westfleet's managing director Craig Boote said it was great to provide some good news for the struggling region.
He said the facility was evidence of the company's continued commitment to the West Coast, despite the region's 'economic struggles.
"The West Coasters are celebrating it too, I've had nothing 100 percent support from the public and from the local council.
"We fully intend to grow the business over the next years and have that down-flow benefit to the coast."
Mr Boote said they had also built an eight-bedroom house to help provide accommodation for new staff.
