DELANCO, NJ – It took firefighters more than 24 hours to contain a massive 11-alarm blaze at a Dietz & Watson cold storage facility in Delanco, NJ, on Sept. 1.

The fire caused the roof, which was lined in solar panels, to collapse. Local news agencies reported that there more than 100 firefighters battling the blaze at one point. The cause of the fire is under investigation.


The company said no one was hurt, and operations are running normally at the company's manufacturing plants in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Corfu, NY, and all other distribution points, although the supply chain may be "a little tight in the next few weeks.”

“It has been an unexpectedly challenging Labor Day weekend for the Dietz & Watson Family, as fire struck one of our distribution centers, in Delanco, NJ. Sunday afternoon,” Louis Eni, CEO, said in a statement. “NJ emergency responders continued to battle the fire Monday.

“Thankfully, all Dietz & Watson employees are safe. Right now, our efforts are focused on supporting the New Jersey firefighters and emergency officials who are battling the fire and ensuring that all are kept safe. These brave first-responders are our friends and neighbors. We are humbled by their efforts.

“Our production facilities continue to manufacture our premium meats and cheeses. Other distribution arrangements will be made as we assess the fire's damage.

“The Dietz & Watson Family deeply appreciates the outpouring of support and encouragement we have received from our friends and customers. It means so much that so many have taken time from their holiday weekends to wish us well. Thank you.”

Dietz & Watson employs 130 workers at the facility. News reports said those workers would be relocated to other facilities in Philadelphia and Baltimore. The company plans to increase production and start building inventory.