Salmon processor placed in the hands of its workers
A leading Scottish supplier of salmon products has completed its move to an employee ownership model.
Marine Products (Scotland) may not be a widely-known brand to consumers, but it supplies a range of products, from flavoured and plain fillets to smoked salmon, to retailers, restaurants and direct to the public. Its biggest customer is the retail giant Aldi.
The company, based in Queenslie, Glasgow, has now made the transition from a family-owned business to an employee ownership trust (EOT).
The move to an EOT follows, the company said, “a period of careful planning” after the passing of former owner Angus Mackenzie in 2018. With the family having stepped back from involvement in the business, the company’s leadership team explored a range of succession options.
The board concluded that the EOT offered the best solution — one that allows the family to exit responsibly while ensuring the company continues to be run in line with its values and for the long-term benefit of the business, its people, and its customers.
An employee ownership trust (EOT) is a legal structure in which a controlling stake in a company is held on behalf of its employees. The trust enables employees to have an indirect ownership interest in the business, often providing them with a say in important decisions and a share in the profits.
EOTs are commonly used as a way for business owners to transfer ownership to their workforce, supporting long-term stability and employee engagement.
Under the EOT structure, Marine Products is now owned by a trust that holds the shares on behalf of all employees. Day-to-day operations will continue to be led by the existing management team.
For Marine Products, funding for the buyout comes from the company’s existing and future cash reserves.
Managing Director Mary Bisset will continue to lead the business, having been with the company for more than 20 years, and has been MD for eight years. She said: “This is a positive step for Marine Products. We wanted an ownership model that protects the legacy of the business while giving it the best possible platform for the future. Employee ownership does exactly that — it keeps the company independent, allows decisions to be made for the long term, and recognises that our people are central to our success. The employees know this business best, and this structure puts them at the heart of safeguarding its future.”
A board of trustees has been appointed to oversee the Trust and act in the interests of all employee beneficiaries, while the company’s leadership team continue to manage the business as usual.
Marcin Tokarczyk (Operations Manager) said: “I have been with Marine Products for 16 years, and what has always mattered to me is the people and the pride we take in what we do. Knowing the company is now owned for the benefit of employees gives real reassurance about the future. It feels like a natural next chapter — protecting what has been built while giving the business the stability it needs to keep going for the long term.”
Mary Bisset added: “This move provides a clear and stable solution to succession, removes uncertainty around future ownership, and ensures Marine Products remains focused on sustainable growth and outstanding products. It is good news for the company and our people. Feedback from our customers has been very positive indeed.”
Why not try these links to see what our Fish Farmer AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
You May Also Like
© 2026 Fish Farmer.