StarKist today announced it will lease the Samoa Tuna Processing facility in Atuu which closed production in December of 2016.
A statement from StarKist says the 10-year lease agreement was finalized by StarKist and Tri Marine today Friday, May 25, and the STP facility will be used to support StarKist Samoa’s operations.
Starkist thanked the owners of STP, Tri Marine International and said, “We look forward to our continued work together. ”
In addition, StarKist thanked Governor Lolo Moliga and his administration, and the Fono for their support during this process.
The company said, “While this is positive news for StarKist Samoa’s operations, it continues to be difficult for American Samoa to compete with other manufacturing locations where labor costs and other expenses are substantially lower and subsidized”.
The statement said StarKist will continue to work with government leaders and local business to address critical issues that are impacting StarKist’s business in American Samoa.
