Pork scratchings factory gutted by ‘devastating’ fire ahead of Christmas
A family-run pork scratching factory in the West Midlands has been completely destroyed by a “devastating” fire ahead of Christmas, putting snack stocks at risk.
West Midlands Fire Brigade sent more than a dozen crews to tackle the massive blaze at G. Simmons & Sons Pork Scratchings in Bloxwich, Walsall, on Sunday evening.
Eyewitnesses reported that dense smoke rose in the area as fire crews worked to control the flames that engulfed the industrial unit throughout the night.
The company, a well-known supplier of pork scratchings and crispy snacks, has now issued a statement to customers: “Last night our factory […] experienced a fire. This has been a devastating event for our family business and our team, and it is something we are still trying to come to terms with.
“We are incredibly grateful that no one was injured. We are currently carefully working through the recovery process, assessing the damage and doing everything possible to rebuild and resume operations as quickly as possible.”
Pork scratchies, cooked crispy in strips of salted pork skin, are believed to have originated in the region known as the Black Country and gained popularity in the early 20th century. The fire left the business temporarily unable to produce any products, raising concerns about supply chains and stock availability in stores.
While local residents sympathized with the situation on social media, firefighters said that the fire was caused by two large barrels of cooking oil and took more than 14 hours to completely extinguish it.
The company added: “This situation is challenging and we truly appreciate your patience, understanding and support during this difficult time. Your continued trust means a lot to us.”
One well-wisher wrote: “Tragic news but as you said no one was injured. I hope you can sort things out quickly and put this situation behind you. As a retired small business owner I understand how sad these events can be.”
Simmons Scratchings said they are committed to rebuilding and resuming production as soon as possible.
The company has its roots in the hearty food tradition of the Black Country, having grown from a small butcher’s shop to one of the UK’s leading producers of pork scratchings.
Founded by Graham Simmons more than 40 years ago, the business started out in the back of the family shop in Walsall, making sausages, burgers, black puddings, faggots and pork roasts. Over time, the scratches became so popular that they became the company’s signature product. In 1994, Simmons moved to a purpose-built factory in Bloxwich where production expanded.
The business is today run by Graham’s sons Shaun and Mark and supplies supermarkets such as Asda and Morrisons.
