CARAVAN manufacturer Willerby Holiday Homes has opened again after a fire at its plant in Hedon Road last month. And to mark the event the firm bought 900 pies for its staff and partners as a thank you for their efforts in helping reopen the factory.
The company had been forced to shut for ten days after an unexplained blaze tore through its production line on November 29.
Damage to the east Hull factory was severe and insurers warned the company would have to close the 350,000 sq ft factory for at least six weeks before operations could resume.
All 750 employees were sent home and customers faced long delays.
Christian Wilson, facilities manager, said: "Our first impressions were that there was minimal damage and the impact on our business had been contained to a small area of our factory.
"However, when the dust settled it was clear we had a larger problem.
"The effects of smoke damage were factory-wide, which supported the difficult decision to close the factory entirely."
Seeing the difficult situation the company was in, nearby businesses pitched in to help with repairs and the site has now reopened.
Neighbouring firms, including Kingston Cleaning Services, S&A Electrical Services and crane hire company Peter Hird and Sons, were called on to support the clean-up.
Mr Wilson said: "Without the extraordinary support of a number of local specialist companies, I feel the insurance team's assessment may have been correct.
"When combined with the dedication of my site team and the wider Willerby workforce, a formidable team spirit was formed that dealt with the adversity in a tremendous manner."
The company is confident all outstanding orders will be delivered on schedule.
Additional overtime should help to rapidly clear the production backlog.
Willerby Holiday Homes teamed up with food producer Hull Pie to celebrate the reopening and thank its staff.
The company offered 900 pies to workers and partner companies at a free lunch yesterday.
Firefighters were praised for their swift efforts in putting out the blaze, although the cause is still being investigated.
Colin Jeffrey, Willerby Holiday Homes production director, said: "It's difficult to find the right words to express our gratitude to everyone for their fantastic, Herculean team effort in achieving an unbelievably rapid recovery.
"We can now get back to doing what we do best and I'd like to extend my thanks to everyone involved."
