Following a fire at Airedale International Air Conditioning's site in Leeds, the UK manufacturer says it is implementing immediate contingency plans to return the business to normal operations as quickly as possible.
The fire, which broke out at around 2.40 pm on Friday, 6 September 2013, was quickly contained by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Airedale's field-based service and controls operations are unaffected. Adrian Trevelyan, UK service manager, said: 'We are providing a full support service throughout the country. In fact 100% of our engineers are on site today.'

The most critical areas of production are reported to be relatively unscathed, and production of the bulk of the manufacturer's precision and IT cooling range could commence within four to six weeks, once the structural integrity of the building has been confirmed.

Clive Parkman, Airedale's managing director said: 'Full production is expected to be back to normal within two to three months and we will be looking to deliver orders by 2 January 2014.'

Mr Parkman continued: 'The most important element in the equation is that our intellectual knowledge and the skills of our people are intact and this will be key to our resuming normal operations within a rapid time frame.

'With 40 years in the industry, we also have a substantial network of valued customers, suppliers and partners who have been quick to volunteer their support.'

The business has confirmed it has robust insurance arrangements in place and has the full support of US parent company, Modine Manufacturing.

All members of Airedale's 300+ Leeds based workforce are accounted for and keen to get back to work as quickly as they can. The business was quick to reassure permanent employees that there will be no job losses as a direct result of the fire.

While the cause of the fire is not yet known, Airedale has stated it follows very stringent site safety procedures and practices, and is working closely with West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service to ascertain the cause of the fire by way of a robust and thorough investigation.

The business is in the process of communicating with all customers over the course of the next few days. In the case of queries, customers and suppliers are encouraged to consult www.airedale.com or to contact 0113 239 1000.