Production has resumed at Warburtons bakery site in Burnley in the aftermath of a major fire on 4 May.
At its peak, the fire required a dozen fire engines to bring it under control. Scaled back crews from Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service remained at the scene to help dampen any remaining pockets of fire, before finally leaving on 6 May. Results from an investigation into the fire have yet to be confirmed.
A spokeperson for Warburtons noted it had started baking again “after an incredible effort from our colleagues at Burnley, with support from our other sites and external partners”.
“The safety of our people and products is our top priority, and we have taken all necessary steps before beginning production to ensure the site is safe. We are proud of our people who have come together to support each other and our family business, we appreciate all their hard work and care,” added the spokesperson.
The Bolton-based bread giant is said to be currently working on rebuilding the part of the bakery damaged by the fire whilst also continuing its plans to add two new crumpet lines as part of a recently unveiled £100m investment programme.
The Burnley site, located in an industrial estate on Billington Road on the outskirts of town, specialises in production of hot plate products such as crumpets and alternative sandwich carriers including sandwich thins, wraps, and soft pitta breads. Warburtons operates 11 other bakeries across the UK, some of which have helped cover production in the interim.
Now in its 150th year of operations, the family run firm continues to expand its production footprint, recently acquiring the Rathbones bakery in Wakefield from Myton Food Group – the manufacturing arm of Morrisons. It also purchased the former Roberts Bakery specialty bread site in Ilkestone.
Roberts had struggled to recover from a devastating fire at its Northwich bread plant in 2023, filing a notice to appoint administrators last October before being rescued in a pre-pack deal by Boparan Private Office.
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