Overnight more than 100 employees lost their jobs at Specialty Bakers in Lititz, Pennsylvania to a spectacular fire that destroyed most of their production facility.
The baker’s impact on the community ripples far and wide as the company, established in 1901, sought to provide “difficult to make” baked goods like Ladyfingers, French Twirls, Dessert Shells, and my personal favorite, Cake Rolls. The company’s products are sold in approximately 90% of the supermarket chains in the United States and abroad in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean basin.
The company vowed that it will rebuild the plant, re-hire its former workers, and received offers of assistance from friends and competitors like throughout the region.
The fire, as of yet unknown origin, reportedly caused approximately $8 million in damages and may have started in an oven.
"Our plant suffered substantial damage, but we are relieved that all of our employees were evacuated safely with no injuries. Our team is the best in the business. It's heartwarming, that so many in our community have reached out to show their support. It's good to know that in difficult times we live and work in a close-knit community. Our company is working with our customers to seek alternate sources for products until we can rebuild our Lititz plant, and we will rebuild. It is too early to know the cause of the fire, however, the company will support the fire marshall's investigation and cannot have any further comment until it's completed."