OzKleen HQ on Lahrs Rd at Ormeau on Gold Coast badly damaged by fire, QFES investigators probing cause

A longstanding Gold Coast cleaning product manufacturer has defied expectations and is already back in operation after a fierce fire ignited in its headquarters. SEE THE PHOTOS

A LONGSTANDING Gold Coast cleaning product manufacturer has defied expectations and is already back in operation after a fierce fire ignited in its headquarters late last week.

The cause of the large blaze at OzKleen’s premises on Lahrs Rd at Ormeau on Thursday night was still under investigation by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) on Monday.

IN PICTURES: Aftermath of OzKleen HQ fire at Ormeau

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Investigators were trying to determine how the fire ignited, but had been impeded by significant damage.

However, OzKleen joint CEO Mark Quinn said the situation “could have been much worse”.

He said fire prevention measures including sprinklers and specialist roller doors had worked as designed and prevented fire from spreading through the whole building.

Joint CEO Mark Quinn in the HQ before the fire. Picture: Adam Head

On Monday, the manufacturer of well-known cleaning products like Shower Power was back in action, despite hurdles. Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire.

“We’re back up and running in production already,” Mr Quinn said.

“There was a fire on the southern end of the building and predominantly that area has been our warehouse. That was full of product, ready to ship out for orders.

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“What happened is the building is basically divided in three bays. The southern bay, middle bay and northern bay. They’re separated by concrete walls and fire roller doors.

“So, thank goodness the fire systems, the roller doors, activated immediately and closed down, isolating the bays.

The cause of the large blaze at OzKleen’s premises on Lahrs Rd at Ormeau on Thursday night was still under investigation. Picture: Supplied

“It could have been a hell of a lot worse. It could have consumed the building.”

Mr Quinn said the fast response from QFES was a big help, as were the “water based” products stored in the warehouse, which he believes helped quell the fire.

“The products actually played a part in limiting the damage,” he said.

“I’m very relieved. We could have been out of business, regardless of whatever safety nets you think you have.

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“It’s a lifetime of work, effort, heart, soul. A lot goes into it (the business) – it’s our life.”

Mr Quinn, the son of company founder Tom Quinn, thanked the Coast community for its support, particularly neighbouring and nearby businesses who rallied to help in the wake of the fire.

Damage from the fire. Picture: Supplied

“We’d like to thank everyone for the local support. There’s been an amazing outcry from the community,” he said.

“The love and support and affection we're feeling is amazing.”

Mr Quinn was hopeful the fire would be little more than a bump in the road, but said it would take quite a while to fix the building.

OzKleen powered for a few months after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, but has faced increasingly stiff competition from Chinese competitors since, Mr Quinn said.

Raging fire in Gold Coast cleaning product factory

September 17: Fire investigators are probing a savage blaze which has ripped through a cleaning chemical factory on the Gold Coast, leaving the building partially collapsed.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has “dozens of crews” coming and going from the firefighting effort at OzKleen on Lahrs Rd at Ormeau from about 8.10pm on Thursday night.

Images have emerged on social media of the factory fire at Ormeau. Picture: Facebook/Jasmin Cross

Firefighters remained at the fire overnight and have been dampening down “hot spots” on Friday morning, according to a QFES spokeswoman.

The large fire took more than two hours to get under control, leaving the OzKleen building with “significant damage” and affected by a “partial collapse”.

Investigators have been working to determine the cause of the blaze and assessing the amount of chemicals still inside the premises.

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics also attended the fire to monitor the welfare of firefighters.

As the blaze raged on Thursday night, QFES issued a warning about smoke “affecting the Pacific Motorway (M1) between exits 38 and 41”.

The factory at Ormeau before the fire. File image.

Motorists were advised to be cautious and nearby residents were told to close windows and doors and to keep any respiratory medication close by.

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Originally published as OzKleen HQ on Lahrs Rd at Ormeau on Gold Coast badly damaged by fire, QFES investigators probing cause