TUFP: Fire damage to shrimp trade not serious

Thai Union Frozen Products yesterday clarified that damage from a fire in its manufacturing plant in Samutsakorn on Saturday has affected only part of its shrimp production.

According to a company release yesterday, the fire has not hit other manufacturing lines thanks to its wellmanaged security system. However, the loss is being assessed and all is covered by insurance.

Thiraphong Chansiri, president of the company, said no one was killed in the fire, although some 66 workers were reported slightly injured and received hospital treatment. Many had now returned home.

"We are most worried about our staff and have provided assistance to them as they are still our most important [asset]," said Thiraphong. He said the company has guaranteed no ammonia gas leaked out during the fire in the factory.

The company has moved its 2,100 workers from its shrimp manufacturing plant to other processing lines, such as tuna, sardine, mackerel, salmon and squid which are safe.

Thiraphong said the company has already contacted its customers overseas to tell them of the fire and that it will not affect shipments. This was because shrimp exporting is now in low season during the first quarter of every year, when the plant produces only 60 per cent of its capacity. In addition, the shrimp production line is planning to be moved to another plant in Songkhla to ensure production continues.