Published: September 15, 2009 11:51 pm      

Small fire hits Rockwood plant

ROCKWOOD — A Rockwood business closed Tuesday after a fire forced workers to evacuate.

Aluminum powder caught fire in an exhaust ventilation unit at Rockwood Manufacturing Co., Rockwood fire Chief Jim Miller said.

The business is located at 300 Main St. in the borough.

It could not be determined whether a short circuit or friction started the fire, Miller said.

About 100 workers were evacuated when smoke filled a section of the building, he said.

Workers at the plant “knocked down” the blaze with fire extinguishers.

Some of the plant workers are Rockwood firefighters, Miller said.

Miller said firefighters needed only 100 gallons of water to finish the job. No injuries were reported.

The fire caused a few thousand dollars worth of damage, Miller said.

A recorded message at the business said the plant was closed Tuesday “due to an emergency” and would reopen at 8 a.m. today.

Rockwood firefighters were assisted by crews from Somerset, New Centerville, Meyersdale and Garrett.

According to the company’s Web site, the business was founded in 1946 by the Gurzenda Family. William Gurzenda is listed as the company president.

The company specializes in door trim hardware for commercial, institutional and residential buildings.

Rockwood Manufacturing says it was acquired in 2008 by Assa Abloy, a Swedish company that is a leading manufacturer of locks and describes itself as “the global leader in door opening solutions.”