The early-morning collapse of a small portion of the roof at the American Crystal Sugar factory in East Grand Forks today led to the plant shutting down operations for much of the day.
No injuries were reported and operations resumed late this afternoon.
An approximately 20-foot by 20-foot patch of the factory's sloping roof collapsed at about 6 a.m. as a result of a buildup of snow and ice, according to factory manager Lloyd Kennedy.
Operations were temporarily suspended, but Kennedy said the plant resumed processing sugar at about 4 p.m. at a reduced pace.
No employees were sent home.
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Kennedy said he did not know how long it will take to patch the hole, but said the interruption will have a relatively short-term effect on plant operations. He said the plant would continue processing sugar at a slower pace until the repairs are completed.
