On Saturday 5th April 2025, a large and devastating fire broke out at the Gerstube factory in Vic-Fezensac, located in the Gers region of southwestern France. The blaze caused significant destruction to the site, which specialises in the production of soft plastic tubes for cosmetic and personal care brands. Gerstube has been a longstanding and trusted manufacturing partner of MUDMASKY, including for all tubes supplied to the UK market.
The fire began at approximately 11:45am, producing a thick column of black smoke visible from over 30 kilometres away. Nearly 100 firefighters from 14 different fire stations across the Gers region were deployed. Due to the presence of potentially hazardous substances, chemical risk specialists were also called to the scene.
The blaze destroyed an estimated 6,000 square metres of industrial space, including Gerstube’s main production hall. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, as the facility was closed at the time. Fire crews managed to bring the blaze under control by the afternoon, though monitoring and cooling operations continued into the evening. According to local authorities, there is no contamination of drinking water, and initial tests of the air and non-potable water have shown no danger to public health. Further environmental analysis is currently underway.
Gerstube, founded in 1947, employs over 70 people and is a vital part of the local economy. The emotional and economic impact of this event has been felt deeply throughout the Vic-Fezensac community.
For MUDMASKY, the consequences are immediate and substantial. All of our signature tubes—recognised for their clean, minimalist design and premium feel—are produced exclusively at this French facility. This includes all products distributed throughout the UK and Ireland.
It is worth noting that MUDMASKY intentionally chose to work with Gerstube, despite the significantly higher costs involved compared to outsourcing tube production to Asia. Tubes manufactured in China cost roughly one-third of the price. However, we have always prioritised craftsmanship, quality, and European standards, not only to ensure the highest possible customer experience but also to actively support the European economy.
This decision, which is core to our brand values, means that the fire at Gerstube has a direct impact on our entire supply chain. While we are working diligently to explore alternative options and minimise disruption, we do anticipate delivery delays in the coming months.
That said, all MUDMASKY products remain available for purchase in the UK until they are marked as “SOLD OUT” on our website. We are committed to keeping our customers fully informed and will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
We thank our UK customers for their loyalty and understanding during this unexpected and challenging time.
Photo credit: François MACE / Le Journal du Gers
