A fire broke out at a storage building affiliated with Schluter-Systems’ Plattsburgh, N.Y., operations on Saturday, Nov. 9.
No one was injured as a result of the fire. The storage building, which is a separate building from the manufacturing plant, was completely damaged in the fire along with its contents.The contents of the storage building were pre-production inventory.
The fire was confined to the warehouse storage facility and arrangements are already being planned for the removal of the debris and the rebuild. This incident has not affected manufacturing or shipping operations at Schluter Systems L.P., and orders will not be affected. The finished goods warehouse was also unaffected and is operating as usual. The warehouse holds ample inventory, so no shortages are expected.
Reinhard Plank, president of Schluter-Systems North America, said, "When a fire of this magnitude occurs, your mind immediately goes to the people that may be hurt. We are extremely grateful that both our employees and the fire fighters who managed the blaze so professionally are all fine. The storage building that burned down was used for raw material storage, and is separate from the manufacturing plant. While the material in the storage building was completely lost, we are already making arrangements for the debris to be removed, and planning the rebuild. The incident has not affected operations and order fulfillment is fully operational. We cannot thank all the fire departments and state police enough for their quick response and for preventing further loss – this incident could have been far worse if it weren't for them."
Over two dozen fire departments from the area and neighboring counties came to help control and eventually douse the fire. Plank added, “Thank you to all who have called, emailed and reached out through social media. We have heard from tile industry friends and colleagues, many Plattsburgh businesses, the North Country Chamber of Commerce, and local congressman Bill Owens, with offers of help and assistance. We are all safe and thankful to be part of such a supportive community.”
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
