Taylor Shellfish Farms announces purchase of Willapa Bay oyster company

Ekone Oyster Company brand, employee team stay unchanged

February 20, 2017 10:00 pm
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Taylor Shellfish Farms’ purchase of the Ekone Oyster Company on Willapa Bay includes property and equipment, like these barges used to pull oysters up from the oyster beds at harvest time. Taylor has also pledged to keep the current staff on the payroll after they take over operations in March, some 50 people currently.
Taylor Shellfish Farms’ purchase of the Ekone Oyster Company on Willapa Bay includes property and equipment, like these barges used to pull oysters up from the oyster beds at harvest time. Taylor has also pledged to keep the current staff on the payroll after they take over operations in March, some 50 people currently.

The Ekone Oyster Company at Bay Center on Willapa Bay has been purchased by Taylor Shellfish Farms, according to a statement released by Taylor on Friday. The purchase includes the farm’s property, equipment, nursery and processing facilities, smokehouse and 350 acres of tideland on the bay.

“The Ekone Oyster Company operates an excellent business and its brand is well-regarded for its quality products. Its variety of smoked products are unique and have a strong following,” said Bill Taylor, CEO of Taylor Shellfish Farms. “We see growth opportunities for the business and Taylor Shellfish will benefit from the increased capacity of the Ekone processing facilities. With continued growth of the business, we believe we will be adding jobs in addition to the existing employee team.”

Taylor plans to use the Ekone name and brand after it takes over operations March 1. The current owners will oversee the transition during that time, and Taylor officials say they plan to keep the employees, about 50, that currently work for Ekone.

Taylor Shellfish Farms is a fifth-generation, family-owned business headquartered near Shelton. The Ekone farm is just south of Bay City near Rhodesia Beach on the west side of Willapa Bay. The terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

“We are very proud of the company and the team that has been built over the years,” said Ekone owner Nick Jambor. “As Joanne and I come closer to retirement, we wanted to find a way to ensure a transition for the business that supports our team and continues to operate the business consistent with our values. We have great respect for Taylor Shellfish and its commitment to quality products, responsible business and a commitment to pursuing sustainability in its operations.”

Ekone Oyster Company was founded in 1982 by the Jambors. The company produces live and shucked oysters, as well as very popular smoked oysters and sturgeon. Ekone also produces triploid oysters, which have an additional chromosome and are hatchery-raised. These oysters are sterile and grow more quickly and give a higher meat yield than their diploid cousins.

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