Pie producer Andrew Jones has literally risen from the ashes - resuming pie production within a week of the fire that extensively damaged its Huddersfield factory.

The company, which supplies pies, sausage rolls and pasties locally to Asda and pies to Morrisons, was forced to suspend production after an explosion at its factory on Old Leeds Road, Huddersfield, on Good Friday in which one employee died. The Health & Safety Executive is still investigating its cause.

It is temporarily operating from a small bakehouse behind one of its butchers shops in Brighouse. It has also secured a new site in Lockwood, Huddersfield, but has been forced to hire equipment as it is unable to retrieve gear left undamaged by the fire because the building is structurally unsound. The intention was to get back up to 75% production capacity within four to six weeks, sales and marketing director Graham Easy told The Grocer.

Before the fire the company had secured an agreement with Asda and Morrisons to supply more stores. "Both have been very supportive," he said. "They have offered every piece of advice and assistance we require."

Andrew Jones recently won a contract to supply Booths with pies, sausage rolls and pasties. Although the retailer has put back the supply's start date, it would still commence in May or June, said Easy.

In addition to the multiples, the company supplies local butchers, bakers and smaller retailers. In a show of support following the fire, some pledged not to source alternative supply while the business was out of action. Instead, customers have said they would wait until Andrew Jones was up and running again. "It's a brand loyalty sometimes forgotten in this day and age," said Easy.

Despite the setback, Andrew Jones expects to meet its £1.5m turnover target for this financial year.

Bakery supervisor David Cole was killed in the fire. Another employee was injured and is currently being cared for at Leeds General Infirmary.

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