By JONATHON HOWARD
NUTWORKS in Yandina has re-opened this week after a devastating fire in the roasting room halted operations.
The fire was believed to have started in one of the roasting ovens on Tuesday 8 July.
No-one was hurt in the fire and the building was evacuated as soon as the blaze broke out.
Nut Factory staff were praised for their quick response to the fire.
The factory is now undergoing a major clean and refit before roasting resumes.
Nutworks staff are inviting nut lovers back to sample some of their acclaimed products, which can be found on the shelves in China, Japan and Korea.
The factory employs around 45 local people and has grown from strength to strength during the past decade.
Nut Factory marketing co-ordinator Nicole Keoghan said the operation was back up and running on Saturday 12 July.
“The fire procedure was 100 per cent,” she said.
“We’ve re-opened our retail facilities but the roasting department will remain closed pending insurance and cleaning requirements.”
Nutworks is situated on Pioneer Drive opposite the Ginger Factory in Yandina.
The tourist attraction allows people to uncover the history and health benefits of Australia’s macadamia nut, view chocolates and confectionery being made while tasting the samples on offer.
Nutworks was originally a small factory that started in 1990s on a farm in Verrierdale, employing six people.
Due to rapid expansion, the company established a new factory and tourist facility on Pioneer Road and commenced processing macadamias at the new facility in 1997.
Nutworks diversified into chocolate and confectionery in 2002 and now provides a strong product base of panned, enrobed and handmade products.
Product from the company’s factory is exported all over the world as well as supplying the local Australian market.
