P-K Mfg. Corp. Damaged By Fire

A fire devastated P-K Manufacturing Corporation’s manufacturing facility, near Omaha, NE, causing several million dollars in property damage, according to the Omaha World-Herald. Company President Tom Schropp said he thinks the fire began inside an office and rapidly spread, engulfing a number of propane tanks on forklifts.

The plant manufactures spraying equipment for agricultural and lawn and garden use. More than 125 firefighters from about 10 area agencies, including the Omaha Fire Department, helped battle the blaze. At least 70% of the 85,000-square-foot facility was considered a total loss, Schropp said. Besides the building’s loss, the fire also destroyed heavy machinery, welding equipment, cutting tools and oxygen tanks. Schropp estimated the fire caused between $5 million and $6 million in damage to his business.

P-K started in the early 1960s. Schropp said he bought the company about a decade ago. He said he employs about 40 workers, and the winter months are especially busy for the company. Schropp said he plans to rebuild. ❖