Kelheim - Fibre producer Kelheim Fibres has reported a fire in the main spinning area at its facility in Germany, interrupting supply of the company's speciality viscose products.

The fire broke out on 14 October 2018 and was extinguished by 13:00 by the company’s own fire brigade with the support of local fire services. No employees were seriously injured, one suffered minor injuries. There were no hazardous discharges to the environment.

The fire caused significant damage to some parts of the fibre spinning lines, and more particularly to electrical cabling, and also structural damage to some parts of the spinning area. Currently, two teams of specialists are working on securing the building, removing debris and cleaning up the production area.

Following a first preliminary assessment of the damage caused, a provisional plan for the restart of the production lines has been developed. It is planned to start the first two lines at the end of October 2018, with a further two to follow at the end of November 2018. After four months, there is a plan to start a further four lines, with the remaining two to follow eight months later.

Kelheim Fibres is in direct contact with customers and has informed them of the expected impact on supply.