Published: 11/23/2006
Day 1: Companies that were destroyed made ink, paint
By Ethan FormanStaff writer
DANVERS - Two businesses made inks and coatings in the 36,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the epicenter of yesterday's 2:46 a.m. blast in Danversport.
Georgetown-based CAI Inc., a privately owned, family-operated business, makes coatings, adhesives and inks. It has been in business since 1985, according to the company's Web site. Its water- and solvent-based ink systems are used to print on flexible packages and paperboard.
The other company is Arnel, which manufactures paints and coatings.
Family members connected to each business share ownership of the building that exploded yesterday morning.
"We're all just very shocked and devastated," CAI owner Paul Sartorelli said. "We don't know anything right now. ... We've just been 100 percent fully cooperative with the authorities. We don't have any answers."
A man who answered the phone at Arnel said he had no comment.
Sartorelli said the solvents and related chemicals used to make ink at the property were properly permitted, stored and accounted for according to state and local regulatory agencies.
"The family company cooperates fully with state and local regulatory officials through regular inspections and protocols," Sartorelli said.
The company said its foremost concern was for the safety of neighbors and employees, and the company was grateful there were no serious injuries or fatalities.
Sartorelli said it was assisting authorities to find the cause of the explosion, and said it was unknown what caused it. He said the company has an "impeccable safety record" after 20 years in business. The company voluntarily upgraded its plant in 2001, including a new sprinkler system designed to put out "chemical-base fires."
Fire Chief James Tutko said CAI underwent a "substantial safety upgrade in the past five to seven years" and has had no safety problems.
Town records show the building is co-owned by Roy A. Nelson of Topsfield and Vincent J. Sartorelli of Amesbury, CAI's president.
"I haven't been near the place," said Nelson, who said he simply leases the building.
The building, at 126 Water St., was built around 1900.
CAI is run by the Sartorelli family, and according to The Associated Press has fewer than 25 employees and only five to nine in Danvers.
It is unclear how many people Arnel employed.
