A FIRE-HIT Halesowen firm is hoping to get back to normality as soon as possible after a "devastating" blaze gutted its factory.

Solutions Acrylic & display Ltd thanked firefighters for their "prompt action, guidance and professionalism" and the community for its support after a huge fire broke out at the firm yesterday (Sunday) gutting its factory in Hayseech Road.

Smoke from the fire at the plastics manufacturer's could be seen for miles with 40 firefighters pumping water from the nearby River Stour to battle the blaze, which started at 11.30am.

The company posted on Facebook that: "We already have plans in place to achieve a swift return to normality and will be restructuring our print factory in the interim to help us achieve this."

The statement read: "We would like to extend our sincere thanks to West Midlands Fire Service for their prompt action, guidance and professionalism in what has been a devastating 24 hours in our 26 year small business history.

"All crews in attendance were as expected, caring, professional and a credit to the west midlands fire service. #muchlove.

"We would also like to offer our thanks to our neighbouring and the wider business community for their support, offers of help, tea and use of facilities both Saturday and going forward.

"We are so very grateful for all your support.

"We already have plans in place to achieve a swift return to normality and will be restructuring our print factory in the interim to help us achieve this."

*Read more here: Massive Halesowen factory fire started accidentally, say investigators

It is believed the accidental fire began in a laser cutting machine.

Members of staff inside were safely evacuated and nobody is believed to have been injured.

One fire crew remained at the scene at the Beaver Park Industrial Estate overnight damping down and making the area safe after the fire was finally extinguished following difficulties with isolating the gas supply.

It is thought the firm has a building, separate from the factory which was gutted, but on the same site, which it is using to operate out of today (Monday).

Solutions Acrylic & Display, set up in 1993, describes itself as a leading UK manufacturer and fabricator of acrylic and perspex.

The company designs and makes a range of products, including display cases and leaflet dispensers, and offers services such as laser cutting, flame polishing and digital printing.