Fontestad fire

Fontestad, the Valencia-based citrus grower-exporter, says its distribution will be unaffected by a fire which ripped through its packhouse in Museros last Thursday.

Spokesman Javier Castellar told local media that the firm had taken measures to guarantee supplies to its clients and protect the jobs of the 3,000 workers employed directly at the facility.

He denied reports that the company would apply for emergency measures to allow it to lay off some of its workforce without prior agreement. 'Our sole objective is to serve our customers and help our workers,' he stated.

Local fire chief Manuel Alonso confirmed this week that the warehouse would have to be demolished on account of the extensive damage caused by the fire, with Fontestad said to be looking for an alternative facility.