The fire that struck Mecapack on the evening of March 28 forced the manufacturer to suspend production. The fire destroyed around 4âeuros500Â m 2 of the building located Pouzauges in Vendée mobilizing 71 firefighters. No casualties were reported, but the damage to production facilities was described as "serious" "irreparable" by the management of a company specializing in the manufacture of packaging machines (lidding, thermoforming and process lines).
A crisis unit was set up the very next day, in conjunction with the prefecture, the gendarmerie and local elected representatives. Access to the site was secured, and an assessment of technical resources was undertaken. According to Mecapack, the cause of the incident remains unknown, and a judicial inquiry is underway.
Partial activity, customer continuity and relocation
Some of Mecapack's 230 employees returned to work on March 31, mainly to ensure the continuity of exchanges with customers and coordinate internal actions. The others are on partial leave, awaiting a permanent solution.
The company is now looking for a temporary site in the département. Several proposals from local manufacturers and local authorities are currently under consideration.
No timetable for the takeover has yet been announced, but relocation is one of the immediate priorities.
Jacques Peltier, President of Mecapack, would like to emphasize the great outpouring of local solidarity since the disaster. He affirms that "This support is invaluable for our employees and their families. They demonstrate the mutual attachment between the company and its Vendée environment".
