Following Saturday’s fire at Longview Packing in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay - see Hawke's Bay fire destroys major packhouse - the directors of both Longview and Grower Trust Marketing have assured growers and customers that all operations for the 2005 season will continue as planned.

Offers of help to pack Grower Trust fruit have come in from all major packers in Hawke’s Bay, said Peter Young, chairman of Grower Trust Marketing Limited. “Our growers will not have a problem in getting fruit packed and exported, and on time. When a disaster hits our industry it is remarkable how offers of help come from many sources. This is one of the features that makes Hawke’s Bay a special place,” he said.

Longview Packing was completely destroyed by a fire which is thought to have started by an electrical fault. However, the Grower Trust Coolstores were not affected by the fire on the adjoining Longview property. Unipac has made available a significant amount of its packing facilities for the packing of GTM growers’ fruit.

Michael Caccioppoli of Longview Packing will transfer approximately 100 of his staff, including all of his supervisors and QC’s to Unipac, where they will work in conjunction with Ken Harvey and his team.

“Packing of fruit will be back in full production by this Wednesday,” said Young. “In addition to Unipac, GTM has four other packhouses that are currently packing our growers’ fruit. All these packers have volunteered to pack extra fruit so that all shipping schedules are met. Shipping will not be disrupted; containers are being loaded to schedule. In fact six containers are being loaded out today for customer orders in the US, UK and Europe.

“We have arranged for SGS to be on hand during the bedding in process to maintain a continuous overview of quality procedures. It is most important to report that there were no injuries or personal harm to staff.

“Finally,” said Young, “to the many customers and suppliers who have sent in messages of support to Frank Caccioppoli and his team, and to the GTM team, thank you. Your thoughts and best wishes at a time like this are very much appreciated.”

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