Mar 6, 2024Fire destroys New Brunswick potato chip plant
A potato chip plant in New Brunswick, Canada, has been destroyed by a March 1 fire.
No one was injured in the blaze at Covered Bridge Potato Chips, according to multiple media reports.
The manufacturing plant employed 75-100 people.
“It was with heavy hearts and immense sadness that we witnessed the fire that destroyed our factory in Waterville on Friday, March 1,” Ryan Albright, company president, said in a statement. “At the same time, we cannot begin to express how thankful we were that no one was injured, and how grateful we were to the courageous first responders and firefighters who worked tirelessly to battle the blaze while ensuring the safety of our employees.”
The statement said 185 employees and family members were affected by the fire, which remains under investigation.
Covered Bridge Potato Chips started producing kettle-cooked chips in 2009. Five years earlier, Matt and Ryan Albright began a potato distribution company and later purchased the farm where the potatoes were harvested.
Covered Bridge Potato Chips now includes multiple locations and more than 500 acres of dark russet potatoes grown year-round, according to its website.
“Family is at the heart of our business and this extends to our valued employees. In the aftermath of the fire, our Covered Bridge family has remained resilient, united, and determined to rise again,” Albright said in the statement. “We trust we can count on you ― our consumers, customers, suppliers, friends and families ― for your patience and continued support as we find our way forward.
“Since our first batch of chips rolled off the line over 15 years ago, we have navigated all challenges and bumps along the road with our strong entrepreneurial spirit. That spirit still shines bright as we plan our path forward.”
