A major fire has gutted a family-run pork scratchings factory in the West Midlands, threatening supplies of the popular snack in the run-up to Christmas and dealing a devastating blow to the business.
Firefighters Battle Through the Night
West Midlands Fire Service sent more than a dozen crews to tackle the blaze at G. Simmons & Sons Pork Scratchings in Bloxwich, Walsall, on Sunday evening. Witnesses reported thick, billowing smoke across the area as firefighters worked through the night to contain the inferno, which engulfed the industrial unit.
The fire service confirmed the incident involved a large quantity of cooking oil, with two substantial drums fuelling the flames. It took crews over 14 hours to fully extinguish the fire, a testament to its severity and complexity.
A Devastating Blow for Family Business
The company, a well-known supplier to supermarkets including Asda and Morrisons, has issued a statement calling the event "devastating." They confirmed that, thankfully, no one was injured in the incident.
"This has been a devastating event for our family-run business and our team, and it is something we are still coming to terms with," the statement read. The fire has left the business temporarily unable to produce any of its pork scratchings or crackling snacks, raising immediate concerns about supply chains and availability on shop shelves during the festive period.
The company added: "Right now, we are carefully working through the recovery process, assessing the damage, and doing everything possible to rebuild and resume operations as soon as we are able."
Black Country Heritage and Future Recovery
Pork scratchings, strips of salted pig skin cooked until crisp, are believed to have originated in the Black Country region. G. Simmons & Sons has deep roots in this hearty food tradition, evolving from a small Walsall butcher's shop over 40 years ago into one of the UK's leading producers.
Founded by Graham Simmons, the business initially made sausages, burgers, and black pudding. However, its pork scratchings proved so popular they became the signature product, leading to a move to a purpose-built factory in Bloxwich in 1994. The business is now run by Graham's sons, Shaun and Mark.
On social media, local residents expressed sympathy for the firm. One well-wisher, a retired small business owner, wrote: "Tragic news but as you say no one was injured. Hope you get things sorted quickly."
The company has thanked customers for their support and patience, stating its commitment to rebuilding and resuming production as swiftly as possible. The road to recovery for this pillar of the local food industry begins now.
