Fire breaks out at Sai Paks, no casualties reported

A major fire broke out at Sai Paks India’s Unit 3 in Talwade, Ganesh Nagar, beside Huma Bakery in Pune. The incident occurred during a patch job when a gold run was in progress on the press.

Tejas Samarth, director at Sai Paks, informed PrintWeek that the first printing station suddenly caught fire, leading to an explosion in the nearby ink barrels. “The flames quickly spread, engulfing the lamination machine and adjacent sections of the plant,” he said.

No injuries or fatalities were reported, a relief amid what could have been a catastrophic event

Three employees were working on-site when the fire began. The three managed to escape safely. Despite their efforts to contain the blaze with fire extinguishers, the presence of inks and chemicals made it impossible to control. No injuries or fatalities were reported, a relief amid what could have been a catastrophic event.

The section sustaining the heaviest damage includes the printing and lamination area, where high-value machinery such as a Sanmach eight-colour printing press, combi lamination unit, UV coating machine, slitter, and XL pouching machine were destroyed. “The total loss, including raw materials and finished goods, is expected to reach INR 13–14 crore,” said Samarth, gauging the probable financial damage caused by the fire

The stock lost in the fire comprised PVC, BOPP, PET, METPET, and CPP rolls, along with inks, paper, aluminium foils, solvents, and finished pouches.

Despite the incident, Sai Paks India assured clients that operations remain unaffected, as Unit 1 and Unit 2 continue full-fledged production

Samarth confirmed that safety systems at the facility were operational. Fire extinguishers, control balls had been installed across the plant, and static control measures were in place. “However, the intensity of the blaze, fuelled by flammable inks and chemicals, rendered these measures insufficient to stop the spread,” lamented Samarth.

Police have initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire. “The exact source is yet to be determined; however, both electrical and chemical origins are under scrutiny.”

Despite the incident, Sai Paks India assured clients that operations remain unaffected, as Unit 1 and Unit 2 continue full-fledged production. “The company has already begun coordination with insurers and customers to ensure business continuity and order fulfilment,” said Samarth.