GROSVENOR Chemicals bosses said part of the factory would reopen today as investigations continued into what caused the fire.
The company added it had never had problems with health and safety.
Of the 55 permanent and 12 agency staff employed at the firm, only one night watchman was onsite when the blaze broke out. He alerted the emergency services and was not hurt.
Bhagwant Rattan, vice-chairman of Whyte Group, which owns the factory, said he was “devastated” about the fire, which destroyed a utilities building and a warehouse used to contain raw materials – about 15% of the factory.
But he said the fire service had done a “superb” job in containing the blaze and the factory would resume some production today.
“Fortunately, there has been no human loss,” he added.
“We are working closely with the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency to assess the extent of the damage and want to get the site up and running again as soon as possible.
“We have a considerable investment here, with loyal suppliers and customers, and employ a good number of local people and we want to protect that.
“We package household goods and that part of the operation will start operating today.”
The rest of the plant would remain shut for at least a few days, he added.
He said the company was complying with the investigation and added: “It looks like an accident and we can’t understand how it happened.
“We have to comply with legislation and the Environment Agency and Health and Safety Executive often come to the site. They have never notified us of any problems in the past.”
