Symmetry Medical Confirms Sheffield Plant Fire That Destroyed Acid Shop

(RTTNews) - Symmetry Medical Inc. (SMA) Monday confirmed that a fire occurred at its Sheffield, UK manufacturing plant on Friday, September 13. The Acid Shop was destroyed in the fire, the company said. No employees or first responders were injured in fire.

The Acid Shop functions in conjunction with the Company's forging operation at the Sheffield Plant. Post forging, parts are immersed in acidic baths to facilitate removal of material from the forging process.

No other operation was affected by the fire, but the company has discontinued the gas, electric, and water utilities serving the casting and forging areas of the plant, until a safety evaluation is completed. The restoration is expected to go on through the week.

About 250 Symmetry Teammates are employed at the Sheffield Plant, and it accounts for about 30 percent of global implant capacity. Symmetry is in the early stages of assessing the financial impact of fire and any insurance benefits to which the company may be entitled under its property and business interruption insurance policies. The Company expects to provide an update on the potential impact to its third quarter 2013 financial results after further review of the situation.