High Liner Foods, a processor and marketer of frozen seafood, will invest $6.6 million to expand its U.S. foodservice production in the city of Newport News, Virginia. High Liner Foods acquired the operations of the former Icelandic USA in December 2011. The company plans to increase productivity via process improvements and upgrades to its current facility, creating 57 new jobs.

"Our production and distribution facilities in Newport News are the hub of High Liner Foods' U.S. foodservice operation, and this investment will further strengthen High Liner's ability to deliver innovative products to our customers when they need it," said Keith A. Decker, President and Chief Operating Officer of High Liner Foods USA Inc. "We thank Gov. McDonnell, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the city of Newport News for their commitment, and are proud to partner with them in this job-creating initiative."

Gov. Bob McDonnell said, "High Liner Foods' Newport News operation is a strategic economic engine for the Hampton Roads region, employing more than 400 and representing an existing capital investment of more than $60 million. The acquisition of Icelandic USA resulted in a tremendous growth in market share for High Liner and the need for this manufacturing expansion to meet increased demand. Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia are honored that the largest marketer of prepared frozen seafood in North America processes and distributes its foodservice products from Newport News. We welcome the addition of nearly 60 new jobs and look forward to the company's continued growth and success."

"High Liner Foods' great investment will enable the company to make infrastructure and process improvements and expand its U.S. foodservice production from the Newport News operation," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "Focusing on market share growth from the company's Virginia plant further solidifies High Liner Foods as a long-term corporate partner to Newport News and the Commonwealth."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the city of Newport News to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Newport News with the project. The company is also eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company's recruitment, training and retraining activities.