Two Cigar Factories Burned Down
In the early morning, the building that houses both Intercigar and Tabacalera William Ventura at the Zona Franca La Palma complex in Tamboril, Dominican Republic was caught on fire and the building burned down completely. Firefighters are trying to stop the fire from jumping to other buildings such as the PDR Cigar Factory which is at close proximity.
Tabacalera William Ventura is a very respected factory where cigars for ADV & McKay and ADVentura, Caldwell Cigar Co., Bellatto Premium Cigars, Freud Cigar Co., Room101, J. London Cigars and others are rolled while Intercigar makes a series of private labels and house blends.
In a statement, the owners of Tabacalera William Ventura said that the cause has not yet been identified but did say that there were no injuries to report. “Regardless of the findings of the investigation, the cause doesn’t change the outcome. We have lost everything. Nothing in the factory is salvageable.”
William Ventura owns a smaller factory, El Maestro, where production will be moved to but millions of cigars, including 800.000 cigars for Caldwell, and plenty of tobacco is lost in the fire.
“We are working tirelessly to keep from dramatically disrupting our work flow, but rest assured we will be back stronger than ever,” the company wrote in a press release. “We acknowledge we have suffered a great loss, but our commitment to excellence is our sole focus. Tabacalera William Ventura is broken hearted for their clients whose brands have become known and loved by so many. Their commitment to provide the best cigars will not be compromised. They will not rush the process. Their process is what makes Tabacalera William Ventura. We will be back. We ask but one favour of the cigar community, please be patient with the brands whose cigars we manufacture. Please be patient with all of the retailers who carry the products we produce. We need your support now more than ever.”
“I’m a factory owner. I’m a blender. I am a father, and I am a son and have many responsibilities to my family,” said Henderson Ventura in a statement. “However, right now my focus is our clients and the consumers. Much love and respect to everyone, and thank you for your patience with us during this difficult time.”
