THE managing director of an adhesives firm which has risen from the ashes says he is “very excited” about his company’s rebirth.

Itac, at Bankfield Mills in Stoneclough, re-opens today two years and three months after a huge fire brought a halt to manufacturing and which led to reduced output ever since.

Everything at the site’s warehouse, which was gutted by the fire, is new except for the walls and foundations.

Larger, safer, computer-controlled plant and machines harness more power, in a safe, clean and efficient environment, Itac bosses say.

The company hopes that the changes have made it bigger and better, not simply returned to how things were before the fire — its capacity is now higher than in 2015.

Managing director Paul Armitt said: “I feel very excited. We are in a wonderful position to make the most of it and improve. We are now looking to go to the next level.”

Mr Armitt was speaking at an open day yesterday for customers, suppliers and local residents.

He said when the plant re-opens he will feel some “relief” after a “long journey” and difficult couple of years.

He said that only days after the fire his first thought was to get the business back on its feet.

Mr Armitt, the fourth generation of the Armitt family involved in the business, added: “We had to accept what had happened and get on with it. This was started by my great-grandfather and there was no way the company was going to go down on my watch. It never occurred to me for one second to give up.”

Mr Armitt said the open event was a way of thanking his employees who have stuck with the company, although many were outsourced by the firm to work at different, temporary sites during reconstruction.

General manager Steve Farnworth said the open event was also a way to thank residents for their patience and reassure them.

He said: “We want to show them what what we are doing is safe. We want to be here in the neighbourhood but not standing out in the neighbourhood.

“We are sensitive neighbours and also part of the community, all of our staff live within five miles of the site and some live very close.”

Mr Farnworth said the new facilities, which are brighter and air conditioned, will also improve working conditions for Itac’s warehouse staff.

The company makes and sells adhesives and coatings for a wide range of uses, from waterproof coats and hot air balloons to industrial sealants and high-tech electrical goods.

“In terms of worker conditions we have gone above and beyond,” added Mr Farnworth.