(ABC 6 NEWS)--- One of New Hampton Iowa's largest employers has finally reopened after an explosion destroyed the second level of the plant last year.

And that is very welcome news to New Hampton residents.

When one of New Hampton's largest employers went up in smoke last February, city officials and plant workers wondered what they were going to do, but an answer came quickly to both.

"One if the Vice Presidents addressed us that first week and he said, New Hampton has earned the right to have your plant rebuilt, that meant a lot to us, said Economic Development Director Bob Soukup.

Since that time, 14 months ago, Bay Valley Foods has been rebuilding the second floor of its plant.

Now they are finally back in business.

"I think the workers are very very anxious to get back they are all treated well by the company," said Bob Soukup.

To soften the blow, during the renovation process, the plant continued to pay all of its employees for a 40-hour workweek, even though the majority weren't able to do their job because of the damage.

"Having bills and everything, that's one less thing to worry about, knowing you're going to get paid for your 40 hours a week,” said plant employee Shaun Schwickerath.

And having a pay check kept the workers in town and kept New Hampton's economy from slumping.

Bay Valley Foods has such a positive economic impact on the community, city officials and workers are glad the plant rebuilt right here in New Hampton.

"I really didn't want to relocate, do it's a good thing they kept the plant here and rebuilt," said Schwickerath.

"This is the kind of plant you want in your community," said Soukup.

And now that the plant is finally back open, every employee is back to work.