A fire has destroyed the Kruger Inc. recycling plant in Beauharnois.

The fire broke out at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday and produced a thick plume of smoke that could be seen several kilometres away.

The local fire department appealed to neighbouring municipalities for assistance to battle the blaze, which was fanned by strong winds.

There was no indication of any injuries as no staff were in the building when the fire began.

The forest products company says the plant consists of a 65,000 square-foot warehouse that recycles paper and plastic and various other products.

A company spokesperson estimated that there were 3,000 tons of paper and wood inside the structure.