Closure of Gael Force Stornoway Factory
After 43 years of continuous creel manufacturing in Stornoway, Gael Force Group has taken the difficult decision to end production at its island facility.
The decision follows months of consultation with the company’s most valued stakeholders — its dedicated and experienced workforce. Many team members have served the business for more than 30 years, while the site manager, Ewen France, holds the distinction of being the very first employee when operations began four decades ago.
For some time, the long-term commercial viability of the Stornoway factory has been under review. But as the original home and starting point of the entire Gael Force story, the group maintained its support for the site for as long as it was practically possible.
“We are deeply grateful for the loyalty shown to us over the years by customers across the UK and Ireland,” a spokesperson for Gael Force said. “This support has been the foundation of our success.”
While production will no longer take place in Stornoway, the company has moved to reassure the industry that the quality and standards it is known for will remain unchanged. Creels will continue to be manufactured to Gael Force’s exact specifications and trusted designs.
Order books remain open, supply lines are fully operational, and the wider Gael Force Group continues to expand and strengthen its position in the market.
“Gael Force will remain a major supplier not only of creels and fishing gear, but also of the advanced marine equipment we design and build for professional fishing fleets around the world,” the spokesperson added.
Customer support will continue without interruption: Douglas Bowman and Stuart Cameron will manage all creel-related accounts moving forward, while Ewen France will remain in post until his retirement later this year. All other operations across the Gael Force Group will continue as normal.
“Our journey began here in the Western Isles, and those island roots will always be part of who we are. We look ahead to further growth and development, and we thank our customers and colleagues for being part of our story so far,” the company concluded.
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