Taylor Shellfish Farms, Shelton, Wash., purchased the Ekone Oyster Co., Bay Center, Wash.

The purchase includes the farm’s property, equipment, nursery and processing facilities, smokehouse and 350 acres of tidelands on Willapa Bay. Ekone Oyster Co. produces live in-shell oysters, fresh shucked oysters and an array of smoked fish and shellfish.

Taylor Shellfish Farms plans to continue use of the Ekone brand, and co-owners Nick and Joanne Jambor will continue to oversee the business. Taylor Shellfish will officially take over operations on March 1.

“The Ekone Oyster Co. operates an excellent business, and its brand is well regarded for its quality products. Its variety of smoked products [is] unique and have a strong following,” says Bill Taylor, chief executive officer 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.”

Ekone Oyster Co. was founded in 1982, by producing and selling smoked oysters.  Today, it houses approximately 50 employees.