PLASTICS company this week vowed to rise from the ashes after a fire gutted its Runcorn warehouse.

A mystery blaze ripped through HK Plastics in Hardwick Road, Astmoor, a week ago.

Around 80 firefighters tackled the flames which could be seen for miles around. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

No-one was injured.

Fire brigade officer Phil Radford said: "The fire was very fierce and damage must run into millions of pounds.

"The amount of toxic smoke coming off the building was unbelievable."

Company secretary Jan Asma said: "It was a big warehouse, everything was lost. It was a shock.

"There was even a brand new forklift truck which was only two weeks old."

Despite the fire, this Dutch firm is determined to continue trading in Runcorn.

Their factory and offices, beside the gutted warehouse, were not damaged and remain open.

Mr Asma added: "We will try to do everything we can to deliver to our customers.

"We will keep our supply chain going as good as possible and hopefully rebuild our warehouse."

The company started warehousing in England in the 1980s, producing goods in 1988. The Astmoor factory opened in 1995.

HK Plastics manufactures all kinds of plastic pails and buckets for the industrial market. They are used mainly in animal feeds.

Around 40 people, mostly agency workers, are employed round-the-clock. The warehouse was only open during the day.

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