Possible Tornado Damages Quonset Business

North Kingstown, RI — The severe thunderstorms that powered across Rhode Island on Friday ripped a section of roof from a building in Quonset Business Park, and officials are investigating the possibility a tornado touched down.

North Kingstown Fire Chief Scott Kettelle said the building that was home to Custom Design at 370 Commerce Park Road suffered damage and the state Fire Marshal and town building official are inspecting the scene.

The building is non operational until "they can get the roof fixed," Kettelle said. The building suffered water damage inside.

Kettelle said that it's possible the damage was caused by a tornado. Adam M. Dias, vice president of Custom Design, said in an e-mail that "yes there was a tornado or something of the sort."

Everyone is safe and nobody was injured, Dias said.

In a telephone interview, Dias said later on Friday that the building should be back up and fully operational by Monday or Tuesday next week. He said that the facility is closed until they can reconnect the fire alarm system.

Many clients called with concerns upon word of the damage, Dias said, and he wanted to assure everyone that the business is only temporarily impacted.

Custom Design manufacturers custom merchandising displays and commercial store fixtures. It employs about 50 people and has numerous clients including firms like Gucci, Polo Ralph Lauren and Versace.

The company was recently named a winner of Providence Business News' Manufacturing Awards. The company, founded in 1976, has seen strong growth in recent years to coincide with its investments in its manufacturing capabilities and strategic acquisitions.

Photo courtesy: Custom Design, Inc., via Facebook.

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