Tayto has been fighting to maintain continuity of supply after one of its crisp factories was devastated in a blaze.

The Sirhowy Valley Foods plant in Crumlin, South Wales - which produced ranges including Tayto’s Real Crisps and independently owned Salty Dog - was gutted in a fire last week.

Tayto, which also owns the Golden Wonder brand, said it was still working on its continuity plans, but production of Real Crisps - sold through retailers including Tesco and Asda - had already switched to the Tayto plant in Tandragee, Northern Ireland. Manufacture of other hand-fried lines, including Salty Dog, was also being moved to Northern Ireland.

“The Real Crisp brand is secure and will remain in stores,” said a spokesman. “We hope through redeployment of production and assistance from other manufacturers - who have been forthcoming with offers of help - to be back to full levels of service soon.

The company said it was dealing with its customers and agreeing continuity plans on an individual basis, adding that it would honour its contracts with potato growers.

Tayto also promised to pay its workers until the end of October, but said redundancies among the factory’s 115-strong workforce, were likely as it was impossible to transfer all staff to other sites.

“Only weeks ago we were looking for staff at the plant to do extra hours, now we are looking at job losses,” said CEO Paul Allen.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged with arson.

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