Seeka Kiwifruit Industries Ltd (NZX:SEK) has provided an update on the progress with the recent fire at its Oakside Post-Harvest site, saying no delays are expected for the early season fruit. 

The fire hit the site on the evening of March 4, affecting the facility's north shed component that is normally used later in the season. No people were injured in the incident.

"While the fire extensively damaged the North Shed component of the complex, the core operating infrastructure and the bulk of the site is intact," a company statement said.

"The forecourt, canopy, packhouse (3 machines), offices, rear coolstore and pre-coolers and a number of central coolstores are all operational. Fire cause investigators have completed their work and the affected area of the site has been handed back to Seeka."

The insurance claim has been accepted and Seeka is continuing to work with both the loss adjusters and insurers to assess, clean and repair and replace the damaged operational areas in order to have full capacity at the site when required.

Information systems are also being replaced along with necessary equipment.

"No delay is expected at the site for early season harvest and Seeka is working with its engineers and suppliers to put in place a load out facility for the season," the statement continued.

"Any new building construction is expected to occur after this kiwifruit season.

"Seeka does not expect any impact to financial performance or the operational performance provided to its grower customers."

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