Frede Kilime: A Manager Navigating Challenges in Tasiilaq’s New Fish Factory
Frede Kilime is a man on the go. His phone seems almost permanently affixed to his ear, swinging between urgent calls about factory defects and inquiries from reporters eager to witness the operations of Tasiilaq’s new fish factory. As Kilime reflects on the recent whirlwind of activity, it’s clear he has a great deal on his plate, which unfortunately includes several challenges.
“All factories face start-up difficulties; that’s just part of the process,” he admits, drawing from his own experiences.
A Sea of Difficulties
Kilime’s concern extends beyond operational hiccups. He knows all too well the implications these challenges have for local fishermen, a community deeply intertwined with the factory’s success. A seasoned fisherman himself until he took on the managerial role two years ago, he understands the stakes.
“We have over 50 licensed fishermen relying on us. Unfortunately, we had to cut back on our leisure catchers due to a technical error with our flash freezer—it simply can’t keep up with our intake, and we currently lack the expertise to fix it,” he explains.
This malfunction has had serious repercussions for the factory’s productivity. Kilime reveals that they have only managed to procure 242.5 tonnes of cod, a figure that could have burgeoned if not for the equipment malfunction.
Cod is lined up in the faulty freezer, which has severely limited processing at the factory.
Photo: Oscar Scott Carl
Presently, the factory is forced to shut down operations until repairs can be made, with hopes to reopen in early November.
As he preps for visitors, Kilime dons blue plastic shoe covers and gestures around the empty floor space where equipment, including a cutting machine that has yet to arrive, should be. The absence of this equipment means workers must resort to manual labor for tasks such as head-cutting cod. Meanwhile, he acknowledges the significant turnover in staff but reassures that they currently have a strong team of 13—comprising ten factory workers, an administrative staff member, and himself.
A Vital Link to the Community
Kilime has poured years of effort into establishing this factory as a pillar for the local economy. “It’s immensely satisfying to see things starting to come together. While our cod season is brief, running from August to November, I believe in our future,” he remarks.
He emphasizes the factory’s significance—not only for generating income for local fishermen but for the economic landscape as a whole.
“We’ve seen a notable increase in local fishermen. Two years ago, we began with only a handful, and now we have more than 50 actively involved.”
Charting an Uncertain Course
At 63, Kilime has made a significant shift from life at sea to the confines of an office, a decision prompted more by necessity than desire. “I’ve gotten to an age where fishing isn’t for me anymore. When they offered me the managerial position, I thought I’d give it a try. I do miss catching fish, but I find satisfaction in this role,” he shares.
Looking ahead, Kilime sees potential in collaboration with local youth programs to establish a fishing school, an initiative he believes could yield ripple effects for the community.
“You never really know what the future holds, but I can say it’s shaping up to be interesting,” he adds with a hopeful glimmer in his eye.
Frede Kilime takes a brief moment of respite outside the factory, balancing the weight of management with community expectations.
Photo: Oscar Scott Carl