Exactly one year ago, a dense, black column of smoke alerted Vitoria-Gasteiz to a large-scale fire at the LEA factory. The blaze, visible from almost anywhere in the Álava capital, prompted an immediate mobilization of emergency services to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to nearby businesses.
The fire consumed nearly the entire factory, leading to the collapse of its structure. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities, but the material damage was extensive. Cesar Fernández de Landa, the councilor for security, confirmed that the factory was "practically unrecoverable".
However, the family business did not give up. The following day, Félix Lascaray, CEO of LEA, stated: "It's time to roll up our sleeves, work, and start rebuilding this factory that has been in Vitoria for 200 years. We will work to ensure it lasts another 200." Their Logistics and Distribution Center in Jundiz remained unaffected, allowing them to resume product distribution to clients the following week.
Following the fire, a temporary employment regulation file (ERTE) was implemented, affecting the company's 120 employees. However, within three and a half months, LEA reactivated production in provisional facilities in the Gamarra industrial estate, awaiting the construction of the new, permanent factory.
The company received considerable support during these difficult times. Félix Lascaray confirmed that the lehendakari, Imanol Pradales, and the mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Maider Etxeberría, contacted him shortly after the incident, and Deportivo Alavés named LEA its first "honorary sponsor".
In December, the administrative board of the municipal company Gilsa approved a land exchange that will allow Lascaray LEA to build its new plant. This involves three plots in sector 21 of Jundiz, covering nearly 45,000 square meters.
Lascaray stated that the future plant will be "much more efficient, spacious, and safe," exceeding fire protection regulations and incorporating a zero-emission concept with maximized renewable energy. LEA, a bicentennial company that has survived previous fires, reaffirms its commitment to the future.
