US-based East Coast Seafood LLC will use a new $602,000 (€496,560) loan to buy new scallop and lobster processing equipment, install updated technology to automate processes, increase packaging options, and adjust order logistics.

The company operates scallop producer Seatrade International in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in addition to lobster suppliers Garbo Lobster and Maine Fair Trade Lobster in Maine, and Paturel International in Canada.

The loan, provided by Massachusetts economic development agency MassDevelopment, could help the company create 80 jobs over the next year by helping it fulfill new orders for national retailers and improve its efficiency, product quality, and lead times on order shipments.