Westermeyer Industries marks two-year anniversary of fire with open house
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
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On Aug. 26, 2022, much of the footprint of Westermeyer Industries outside Bluffs was destroyed by a fire. To mark the two-year anniversary of the fire, Westermeyer Industries is hosting a community open house on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 1-4 p.m. First responders from Pittsfield, Griggsville and North Pike responded to the fire, and several Pike County residents were working at Westermeyer at the time of the fire.
To celebrate the progress made over the two years since a fire destroyed 75,000 square feet of manufacturing space, offices, equipment, and inventory, Westermeyer Industries is hosting a community open house Sunday, August 25 from 1-4 p.m.
The two-year anniversary of the fire is August 26.
To honor the fire departments that were able to protect the remaining 40,000 square feet of Westermeyer Industries, the company will also be hosting a separate luncheon and open house for first responders.
In a release, Westermeyer Industries owner Gary Westermeyer expressed his gratitude to the fire departments that worked to save the remaining portion of the company’s footprint.
“The days that followed were vitally important to our business staying viable for the long term,” Westermeyer wrote. “However, we could not have kept the business afloat without a building. The 40,000 square feet that each of the local fire departments worked tirelessly on that hot August day to save allowed our business to operate while the rebuilding took place. In honor of each first responder and those local fire departments that rushed to our aid, we have planned an event to recognize you.”
While approximately 80 percent of Westermeyer Industries’ revenue was previously produced in the space that was lost to the fire, Westermeyer said that employees showed up, ready to restore, reset and rebuild Westermeyer Industries better than ever before.
“We’re building a new world-class facility, not just for the future of this business, but for the future of this local area.” Westermeyer said at the time. “We’re creating opportunities for skilled workers and driven career seekers to build a life for themselves here among their families and friends; bringing in business from around the world right here to this little town we call home.”
Westermeyer Industries replaced and expanded the 75,000 square foot building they lost with a new, approximately 100,000 square foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Pittsfield, Griggsville and North Pike Fire Departments all were called to the scene of the Westermeyer Industries plant fire. Several Pike County residents are employed at the plant and many were working when the fire started just before 2 p.m. on Aug. 26, 2022.
