From a two-week trial at our Orkney Packing Station, to becoming Factory Processing Manager, Michael Lewington is celebrating 15 years with the company.
Tell us about what your job entails?
My role is to oversee the production of our Scottish salmon located in Kirkwall, Orkney, and managing a team of 40 to ensure that we are processing our product safely, efficiently and to a very high standard for our customers. I am responsible for working with others to develop projects and improvements to our process, engaging in audits and site tours for our customers, and ensuring hygiene practices are monitored and kept to a very high standard.
What’s great about it? What’s challenging?
The best part is the team I get to work with. We have a fantastic array of talented people at the factory and I enjoy working with them. The challenges we face are day-to-day variations in the production runs as all fish varies slightly for each harvest, so adjustments are required to ensure production is as efficient as possible.
How did you get here – what was your route into aquaculture and this job?
I left school at 16 in 2010. I didn’t have much ambition as I didn’t quite know what it was I wanted to do. I then started at the processing factory for a two-week trial, after that I was offered a role on the processing team. The 15 years I have been here I have gone from being on the processing floor to supervising and then to managing where I am currently.
I do regret leaving learning without much but I don’t regret where I am now. Over the years I have spent with Cooke Scotland they have invested a great deal in me to help get to where I am now and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. Not only has Cooke put me through many courses and provided the resources to aid my learning and development, but working with so many others and learning from their extensive knowledge is also a large factor.
What has surprised you about working in aquaculture?
I would say it has to be the amount of people that it actually takes to make Cooke Scotland such a successful business. Although it may sound like quite a streamlined process in what our company does in terms of growing our salmon, harvesting, processing and selling, it is not quite that simple. Around 20% of the business works in the processing phase which just shows how many other hard working people are required for the business to operate efficiently.
What would your advice be for someone looking to follow a similar career route?
These things take time. The goal may seem so far away today, but stick at it and before you know it you will be looking back – proud of yourself and what you have achieved.
If you are interested in a career with Cooke, visit our Careers Page for more information and details on how to get in touch.
As featured in Fish Farmer Magazine – September 2025.