Significant damage and theft from the Flambeau factory in Ramsgate resulted in a temporary shutdown of the plastic parts business.
Thieves broke into the injection moulding company in Manston Road during last weekend (July 26-27), looting from vending machines, stealing power tools and stripping copper from the power supply to manufacturing machines – meaning the business was unable to produce parts for its customers.
The site is currently operating ‘limited production’ after managing to get three machines back online.
Bosses at the business say the break-in “effectively shut us down and put 70 local jobs at risk.”
In a statement Flambeau Europe, which has operated in Ramsgate for some 50 years, said: “The individuals responsible caused significant damage, ranging from minor vandalism—such as vending machines being looted and power tools being taken—to a much more serious and targeted theft of copper from the power supply to our manufacturing machines.
“When this theft happened it left our business unable to produce parts that we supply to our customers, effectively shutting us down and putting 70 local jobs at risk.
“Fortunately, the response from our team has been magnificent. As soon as the situation was discovered, the police were notified and our crisis management protocols were activated. On Monday, Crime Scene Investigation attended our site to collect evidence and begin their inquiry into the crime. We are working closely with law enforcement as their investigation progresses.”
“Our operations and facilities teams are working tirelessly to get our machines back online. Specialist contractors have been approached to source and install replacement cable as our number one priority remains returning to full operational capacity as quickly and safely as possible.
“We have successfully brought three of our machines back online, allowing us to begin limited production once again, albeit at 15% of normal capacity, this is a promising first step toward recovery.
“This incident has dealt a major blow to our business. We are deeply aware of how this disruption affects our employees, customers, and the wider community that depends on our continued operation.
“We remain committed to our customers, our employees, and our community, and we will not allow this act of vandalism and theft to define us.
“We would like to express our gratitude in advance to our associates, customers, suppliers, and the local community for their patience, understanding, and ongoing support during this time.”
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police is investigating a report of a burglary at a business premises in Ramsgate.
“It is believed that between 10pm on Friday 25 July and 9pm on Sunday 27 July unknown persons entered the building in Manston Road and smashed the vending machine, taking the contents, along with various cables and power tools.”
Officers are conducting enquiries and ask anyone with information to call 01843 222289 quoting 46/130233/25.
I hope those disgusting creatures are caught & go to prison for a very long time.
Sabotage is a serious crime which needs serious punishment. The police will refuse to put more than one spoonful of sugar in their tea when they are caught.
why do they not have cctv up its such a sad thing to happen. I really hope they are caught and get a hefty prison sentence
Considering they’ve been looking at selling that site for housing it’s a interesting timing.
No doubt they have travelled here to do this.