HWP To Partially Open For Business Today

August 9, 2011

[Updated] HWP plans to open for business today [Aug.10]- less than 48 hours after a fire ripped through their facility, destroying the building, over a dozen cars, and extensive interior furnishings and fittings.

In a statement released yesterday CEO Jonathan Brewin said HWP “will be open for business from Wednesday morning, albeit on a restricted basis.”

Yesterday construction machines were on the property to start the task of clearing some of the debris. Spectators gathered at the nearby gas station and surrounding areas awaiting the show of destruction.

The machine operators went about the demolition of the car showroom, starting at one corner and tearing at the roof. Under the pulling force, the roof fell landing on the parking area in front of the building.

Debris was then pulled down to ground level and workmen could be seen retrieving papers that appeared to have survived the blaze in charred filing cabinets. Pockets of smoke could be seen from smoldering areas within the debris and in the building. After separating metal beams and material from the debris pile, a truck came and was loaded with the metallic remains.

hwp after demolition

HWP have “set up a taskforce intent on getting back to business as quickly as possible.” A statement released today said, “To counter the destruction of HWP’s computer, e-mail and telephone systems, HWP has created a customer call centre to handle customer queries.”

“HWP is prioritising customers with cars and cycles that have work in progress or were destroyed in the fire. It is estimated that 12 customer cars were destroyed in the fire in addition to a number of showroom vehicles.”

hwp demolished bermuda aug 9 2011 (12)

“Prior to power being restored to the HWP facilities on the North side of St. John’s Road, the HWP team have been working to re-open auto and cycle sales, parts, mechanical services and the service station.”

HWP CEO Jonathan Brewin said, “We are making every effort to complete all mechanical work as soon as possible and HWP will be open for business from Wednesday morning, albeit on a restricted basis. We will be working manually, as our computerised systems are down, so we ask for patience from our customers.”

hwp demolished bermuda aug 9 2011 (2)

“Mechanical services anticipate that they will be able to run on around a 50% capacity for the time being. The biggest issue will be in the parts department which relies heavily on a computerised inventory system.”

Mr. Brewin added, “The paint & body shop will understandably not be re-opening for the foreseeable future and we are working towards a solution as quickly as possible.”

In response to the fire, numerous organizations, individuals and businesses have rallied to support HWP, with both Air Care and BTC offering office space. Don Mackenzie, Chairman, HWP Group commented, “We are heartened at the support and kindness from the public and business community. Again we also wish to publicly thank the fire and police departments for their professionalism in dealing with a devastation situation.”

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Comments (5)

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  1. Risk Manager says:

    I hope they will get an extensive risk management policy in place with no blind eye towards the condition of the building, machinery and all…..wonder if they had a contingency plan……

  2. Down 'n' Dirty says:

    As I sit here eating a bowl of RICE KRISPIES …Yeah H.W.P I’ve been burnt by You before ..

  3. Jina says:

    So police are investigating body shops in Bermuda in connection with the death of Jahmeiko Perkins. Now, they can’t investigate HWP can they? Am I the only one who thinks this is suspicious? Seems awfully convenient that HWP burns down right before the police start to look for a car that may have been involved in a hit and run.

    • Scott says:

      yes i think you are the only one…

      i was gonna say its all a conspiracy by plp to distract us from the issues… but your conspiracy is much better!