UPDATE FEBRUARY 23:
A Georgia Crate and Basket representative told ABC 27's Shamarria Morrison the following when asked how jobs may be affected by Wednesday's fire:
"We had around 50 employees and paychecks have been made available to all. We are assisting interested employees with the unemployment process. Many of these employees have been with us for years and feel like family, making this situation even more heartfelt. Several businesses in the community contacted us about hiring our people and we are thankful that some employees have already found other jobs. We are continuing distribution. Employees involved in that operation have been retained. Plans for ongoing manufacturing at this location are being discussed and evaluated at this time in order to achieve the best way to continue serving our customers."
We followed up on that statement to see exactly how many people are being let go from the Thomasville operation. We'll update this story as soon as we get an answer from the company.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The president and CEO of Georgia Crate and Basket Company is addressing the massive fire that led to road closures and shelters in Thomasville Wednesday. Bolling Jones IV releaed the following statement:
Given the circumstances of the unfortunate fire that took place at our manufacturing plant, we are extremely blessed that no one was injured.
Fortunately, our warehouses and large inventory were not affected, and we have already increased our production at our other facility. We should be back shipping to our amazing and loyal customers by the weekend.
This is all thanks to the quick response of Thomasville Fire Department and First Responders. We would also like to extend huge thanks and gratitude to the following for lending personnel and equipment to help: Thomasville Police Department, City of Thomasville staff and community members, Thomas County Fire, EMS, and Sherriff’s office, City of Camilla, Moultrie, Tifton, Lee County, Lake Park, Valdosta, and Lowndes County Fire departments, and Archbold Memorial Hospital.
We would also like to extend a thank you to the churches and the community for setting up shelters and providing for the affected surrounding residents. We would also like to thank the community for the continued thoughts and prayers.
Founded in 1894, Georgia Crate is one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Thomasville, GA with over 130 years in business. The family would like to thank our friends and community for their continued support and prayers.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
