The Sonae Industria factory in Kirkby is currently under a joint investigation from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Merseyside Police after James Kay died on their site in an industrial accident. This was the third death at the factory, which produces chipboard and particle board, since 2010.
James Bibby, 25, and Thomas Elmer, 27, were both killed in an accident in December 2010 after they had fallen into a machine in the factory. Then in June, a fire broke out on the site which burned for eight days, causing extensive damage to one of the buildings; an event that led Labour MP George Howarth to call for the site to be permanently closed.
As a result of the damage caused by the fire, Andrew Connolly Demolition was then subcontracted to demolish the damaged building. Mr Kay was one of the people on the demolition team when he died, although Merseyside Police are keeping an open mind after post-mortem tests into his death were inconclusive.
This series of events has led to the factory coming under a lot of pressure, and a campaign group - 'say bye to Sonae' - has been formed calling for the plant to be closed.
Referring to comments he made following the fire, George Howarth said, "It's barely three weeks since I said that 'as matters stand I don't see how anyone can have any confidence in Sonae to operate safely and with stability.' It's too early to comment on the details about this tragic incident but I sincerely hope that this will never happen again".
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