Lee’s Pigskins is back in limited production following adevastating fire at their New Hebron plant two weeks ago.

Owner Greg Stanton estimated the plant is operating at around65-70 percent of capacity after beginning limited production Feb.22.

“We’re way ahead of schedule. We’re almost done,” he said ofrepairs. “The building shell is back up and flooring goes intoday.”

New equipment to replace that damaged in the Feb. 16 fire willbegin arriving next week, he said.

Stanton expected the plant to be back in full production byMarch 22. He estimated the total cost of the damage atapproximately $900,000.

Despite the plant’s limited production, Stanton its 28 employeeshave been working since Feb. 21.

“I’ve got everybody back,” he said. “What they normally do isnot available, but I have everyone back doing other things.”

Stanton said the company had increased production of otherproducts to keep their shelf space full for their customers.

“We’re doing what we can to maintain that shelf space until wecan get back into full production,” he said.