Several fire departments were busy in Shelby County on Saturday after a fire broke out at the Portacool Company in Center. The blaze was discovered shortly before 3:00 at the 33-year-old company, which manufactures evaporative coolers, large portable cooling units and fans. The company which employs approximately 400 people has a manufacturing operation on the Northeast side of Center. The Center Fire Department along with seven other departments battled the blaze well into the night. Meanwhile, there's no word on how the fire may have started. The company began many years ago, manufacturing cooking systems for chicken houses and the poultry industry. However, over the years the company began expanding its product line to include large coolers that are now commonplace at major sporting events.
Portacool officials issued the following statement on Saturday:
Today at approximately 2:45pm, there was a fire that swept through the Portacool manufacturing facility. This is currently being investigated. It has been confirmed that no one was in the plant at the time of the fire. This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission. The safety and well-being of our employees and surrounding neighbors are our top priority. As more information becomes available, we will provide updates. Please keep the Portacool family in your prayers.