PERSHORE-based industrial packaging company de la Pak Ltd is on the road to recovery following a disastrous fire earlier this year.

The company has taken delivery of a new lorry, one of five new vehicles ordered to replenish the fleet, all of which are expected to arrive before the end of the year.

Paul De La Pena, company chairman, said: "It is wonderful to be delivering to our customers in our own fleet again."

Six months ago de la Pak's premises and vehicles were lost in the fire which was tackled by 100 fire fighters. Since then, de la Pak has been operating from the Strickland's site at Cropthorne, and has been able to maintain the majority of its business, thanks to the loyalty and understanding of customers.

Mr De La Pena said: "The speed at which the business became operational again following the fire was exceptional. We were delivering goods to our customers within a few days and had replenished most stocks within two weeks. The staff are to be congratulated on their commitment and loyalty to the business during this testing time, and I would also like to pass on sincere thanks to many others for their immense help and support, particularly Peter Strickland, Vic Haynes and Greenline Contracts."

The de la Pak warehouse and office facility in Racecourse Road, Pershore, is being rebuilt and work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.