NW Ind. slaughterhouse back in business after fire

COLFAX, Ind.-- The owners and employees of a northwest Indiana slaughterhouse are surprised to be back in business a year after a devastating fire.

On Dec. 27, 2010, the staff of This Old Farm Meats and Processing in Colfax watched helplessly as a grease fire that started in the smokehouse consumed the building.

Now, the Journal & Courier of Lafayette reports, the business is thriving in a newly rebuilt facility. The Clinton County meat processor is one of only two plants in the state where organic meat is an option.

The plant officially reopened June 6. The Smiths used the fire as a chance to improve their building, adding additional office space, an employee lounge and a retail merchandise area. And the staff of 15 has grown to 19.