Blaze-hit CoolKit back in business

The UK’s largest specialist in temperature-controlled vans is back in operation just days after a devastating blaze destroyed one of its two Burnley manufacturing units. 

CoolKit has revealed that it has implemented a “robust recovery plan” to enable it to remain operational in the immediate aftermath of the fire. 

Its production and operations have successfully been relocated to its second unit on the same industrial estate as the one destroyed by the blaze, which broke out last Thursday.  

CoolKit has also revealed it has begun the search for new premises and expects ‘business as usual’ will resume by the end of September. 

Work this week focused on completing orders that were in progress within the workshop. The business says once this work is finished production will move on to addressing its order book. 

Managing director Daniel Miller said: “Firstly, the senior team would like to express our sincerest thanks to everyone who is part of the team at CoolKit. 

“We acted quickly over the weekend to put in place a robust and staged recovery plan which means that the business has been able to remain operational.  

“The company has in place comprehensive insurance and we will use this to ensure we get back to full production as soon as possible. 

“Part of this is keeping our colleagues secure and safe in their roles and ready to return to work as soon as they are needed.” 

Daniel added: “To ensure we meet our ongoing production requirements efficiently we will implement an increased operational schedule. 

“CoolKit is to keep its customers and suppliers regularly updated on its progress and inform them of any changes in requirements or potential impact on its collaboration.” 

This time last year CoolKit, which was launched in 2005, reported record sales orders of more than £20m. It was also the winner of the medium business category in this year’s Red Rose Awards.  

Company founder and chief executive Rupert Gatty said: “We have in place ambitious growth plans and despite this setback they remain unchanged. Together we can and will get through this period and build back an even better CoolKit.” 

He added: “We are now looking for vacant premises in Burnley or nearby that would be suitable for building our renowned refrigerated van conversions.  

“The business is looking for 30,000 to 60,000 square feet, ideally with significant parking for our workforce of approximately 100 staff and with several acres of adjacent land for parking our stock of vans securely, and a three-phase mains supply. 

“Thanks to a robust response from our employees, contractors and leadership team here at CoolKit we have been able to remain operational throughout this period, but early occupation of additional premises will help to ensure we are able to fulfil our full order book and continue on our growth trajectory.” 

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