Pork scratchings firm G Simmons & Sons devastated by Walsall fire

A family-run pork scratchings business has said an overnight fire at the premises was devastating.

G Simmons & Sons Pork Scratchings on Newfield Road in Walsall said it was incredibly grateful no-one had been injured and it would be shut on Monday. The business supplies to supermarkets and also runs an online delivery service.

“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,” the business said on its Facebook page.

Pork scratchings, pig skin cut into strips and cooked, are thought to be a Black Country-based delicacy which used to be mainly sold in pubs.

West Midlands Fire Service said it was called out at about 19:18 GMT on Sunday, and added the fire involved two large drums of cooking oil.

“This situation is challenging, and we truly appreciate your patience, understanding, and support during this difficult time,” G Simmons & Son said on social media.

“We are working hard to try and get a supply and as we learn more and make progress we will keep you updated.”

At its height, the service said 13 appliances and 95 firefighters were in attendance, which had since been scaled down to two on Monday.

The business began in the early 1970s when Graham Simmons became a butcher in Willenhall, according to its website.

In the 1980s his sons, Shaun and Mark, joined him and together they left the butchers and opened a purpose-built pork scratchings factory about 30 years ago, later expanding by buying the unit next door, which became its warehouse and shop.