Fire puts factory out of action for months

A massive fire at a Taupo fibreboard factory last night will see it shut down for months.

Fletcher Building's Laminex Group fibreboard plant in Centennial Drive was the scene of a huge oil fire which started about 7pm last night.

Ten fire crews from around the region attended the blaze and some were still there dampening down today.

David Worley, of Fletcher Building's laminates and panels division, said the plant was likely to be out of action for "some months" but that the company had insurance cover for business interruption and property damage.

Alternative sources of supply were available to the company, including from its Australian operations, Mr Worley said.

"At this stage the company does not expect that it (the fire) will have a material impact on its results for the 2007 financial year."

No-one was injured in the fire which is now being investigated.

A particle board plant which operates from the same premises was unaffected.

- NZPA