Workers at a West Auckland plastics business are fearful for their future, after their workplace was destroyed by a fire which may have been deliberately lit.
More than one hundred firefighters battled through the night to contain the blaze at Total Plastics in Henderson.
It was so fierce the western train line had to close down, and only the facade of the building was left.
Total Plastics has operated out of this factory for more than 20 years, and business owner Tony King says he's numb.
"It's just all sinking in you know. I can't reverse what's happened and it's just a matter of going through the processes now and I feel really bad for my customers," he says.
Mr King says privately monitored fire alarms were installed but it's a system not overseen by the fire service.
Total Plastics employs just seven workers, who all arrived to find their workplace gutted by the blaze.
One worker said he was devastated to find out about the fire on social media and says he's now uncertain about his future.
"It's a family type job, you know - we're all so close in the factory. I don't know what the future is for us, it's going to be pretty hard," says Barry Mears.
Total Plastics says insurance will cover its employees' pay until the business can get back on its feet.
It's still not known what caused the fire, but Police and fire crews are trying to determine whether it was suspicious.
There were reports of people throwing rocks at the building just before the fire, but whether or not that's linked to the blaze will be investigated.
Newshub.
