The aftermath of a devastating fire at the Covered Bridge Potato Chips factory in Hartland, N.B., is shown in this Saturday, March 2, 2024, handout photo posted on the Government of New Brunswick Facebook page. The president of the factory that was destroyed in a fire says there is much to navigate and things are challenging but he hopes to restart the facility as soon as possible. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Facebook, Government of New Brunswick *MANDATORY CREDIT*
FREDERICTON – The president of a beloved New Brunswick potato chip factory that was destroyed by fire says he hopes to restart the facility as soon as possible.
Ryan Albright of Covered Bridge Potato Chips in Waterville, N.B., says he is in “design mode” and meeting with equipment manufacturers.
News of the fire last week triggered an outpouring of support from residents who raced to stock up on Covered Bridge Potato Chips in case supply is interrupted.
Albright says the company, which employs about 185 people, wants to restart operations as soon as possible but says he’s still dealing with insurance claims and making sure retailers have enough product on shelves.
Western Valley Region RCMP did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the status of the investigation into the cause of Friday’s fire.
Albright says he used to stay up at night worrying about the possibility of a fire and that, unfortunately, his nightmare came true.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 6, 2024.
