A MANUFACTURING firm is heading back to full capacity just three weeks after it was devastated by fire.

Bosses at windows and doors manufacturer Octaveward, Balle Street Mill, Darwen, were left reeling following a blaze on November 5 which badly damaged the building’s roof and vital machinery.

But the family-owned firm, which employs more than 80 people, pulled out all the stops to ensure customer orders were met and aims to be back to pre-fire production levels by the end of the week.

Managing director, Grant Wignall, said: “Apart from some flooding in the area a few years ago, the fire was the only major incident the company has had in almost 27 years of business.

“We invest thousands of pounds each year to comply with health and safety legislation and have an impeccable record, so it was a big shock to all of us to experience such a freak incident.”

The company makes glass-reinforced polyester (GRP) windows and doors and architectural plastic mouldings such as roofing and door canopies.

The fire damaged moulding equipment and slashed the company’s output in the process.

Long hours by staff and bosses ensured the company was able to meet orders and Mr Wignall praised the attitude of employees.

He added: “We are still working with investigators to learn the exact cause of the fire, so that we can ensure something like this never happens again.

“Everyone has worked really hard to get things back to normal and we are on track to be back to full production by the end of November.

“Staff have worked around the clock to help us fulfil our orders and get things back to normal.”

Octaveward’s sales have increased from £2.3million to around £3.6million during 2008 and the firm may have to recruit more staff if business continues to grow at its current rate.