Even though a Sunday morning fire wiped out nearly all of her company's assets-save a few tools and three company trucks-Angela Gibson of RG Gibson & Sons (London, Ontario) said she and her husband Craig will pick up the pieces and rebuild their third-generation wood flooring business. "We've been in business since 1939, but this is our livelihood-this is what puts food on the table," she said. "So we're trying to get things going and get back on our feet."
A faulty block heater in a diesel truck belonging to a neighboring business sparked the fire. Total damages came to about $2 million.
Right now the Gibsons are sorting out details with their insurance company. To their dismay, their insurance policy did not cover lost income due to operational disruptions. Because of that, they're working as fast as possible to re-direct shipments and get installers back to work. "We don't have any tools right now," Gibson said, "so we're trying to replace them."
Any assistance the larger wood flooring industry can provide may be directed to the Gibsons at 864 Valetta Street, London, Ontario N6H2Z3. The company can be reached by phone at 519/474-7884.
