Housed in a cluster of two-story buildings, the company buys not only lobster, but also shrimp and finfish. Despite its laid back appearance, the plant is run with military discipline, particularly as regards sanitary requirements established by the United States Department of Agriculture. One never knows when an inspector might show up. Before stepping inside, even visitors must don white boots, a white smock, a white cap, remove all jewelry, even wedding rings, and walk through a concrete trough of disinfectant. White-uniformed workers with specific responsibilities process the fish or shellfish, which are unloaded at the dock outside.
Different workers scrub floors and counters.
Upstairs, where dress is more casual, the visitor walks past clerical workers and is ushered into the office of Floyd Forbes, the company's genial executive vice president. His firm exports to the United States and Europe, its boxes of frozen lobster tails bearing the Celebrity brand label. Although fishermen needing financing have little choice but to come to the company, Forbes insisted that his firm makes its money from profits on lobster, not by making loans. He added that many are debt free in 12 months. Forbes believes that large firms like his and the small-scale fishermen share a common set of interests.