A Newry-based manufacturer of bathroom pods, Connex Offsite Ltd, recently gave thanks to local businesses and people who helped save their business after a devastating fire spread to one of their production facilities.
The fire, which broke out on December 7, at Loughbrook Industrial Estate, spread to affect approximately 20% of Connex’s production facility and caused serious damage to several other local businesses.
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Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue and several other local business owners rallied in an effort to tackle the fire and minimise the damage.
To show their gratitude, team members from the company visited with those who contributed to the rescue effort.
They said: “To Newry Fire Station, McManus Agri, McKnight Agri & Wallace Contracts, no words can thank you enough, without your quick response and hard work we would not have a business today so THANK YOU.”
Representatives from Connex Offsite Ltd visiting with McManus Agri, McKnight Agri & Wallace Contracts
In a separate post, they added: “Connex would like to extend our thanks to those who prevented the fire from spreading, primarily the great work of the emergency services and the assistance of the local community especially McManus Agri, McKnight Agri & Wallace Contracts who reacted immediately to control the fire as best as they could.
“We also want to thank all those who provided additional support over the last few days, too many to name, we are so grateful.
“We also would like to extend our sympathies to our neighbouring businesses who have been devastated by the fire and are now facing enormous challenges. We will continue to help our neighbours through these difficult times.
“Most importantly we are enormously relieved that there were no injuries.”
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The business has since activated elements of their ‘comprehensive contingency plans’, relocating some of their operations to a nearby unit in order to minimise disruption.
Connex continue to work ‘diligently’ to restore their damaged manufacturing facilities and are expecting to return to full capacity in the next few months.
