Firm back in business after devastating blaze

THE owner of a Dundee family business ravaged by fire says he is smiling for the first time since May as he celebrates the opening of his new firm.

Keith Duncan’s business, Kingsway Koatings, was destroyed in a devastating blaze seven months ago. The Kingsway depot was gutted and expensive equipment was destroyed.

Speaking after the blaze, Keith — who operated the firm with his son and business partner Jayme — admitted he feared for the future.

Now, Keith has reason to celebrate after opening a new business with his son.

They will operate Tayside Powder Coatings Services out of a unit on Dundee’s Stannergate Road.

A delighted Keith said the opening has been a huge relief.

He added: “It feels great actually. I’ve been keeping my customers informed right the way through and they’ve said it’s like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

“In September and October I was a bit down because things weren’t going as quickly as I wanted.

“But this week I’ve had a smile on my face for the first time since May.”

Although he was devastated by last summer’s fire, Keith insists reopening on a new site was never in doubt.

He said: “It was always the focus and it was never in doubt that I would start again. I never doubted myself.

“I’ve been doing this since 1986, so it was never a question of if, it was always just a matter of time.

“It’s onwards and upwards now. We have to put the past behind us.

“It will be just the two of us to start with until we get back up and running.

“But it’s a great feeling to be back in business.”

Keith Duncan