Crews have been fighting a fire at well-known pottery business Morris and James in Matakana, north of Auckland.

Managing director Keiran Rice said it is a fire on some machinery, involving a preheater close to the kilns.

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) Northern Communications shift manager Michael Anderson said crews received a call about a factory fire at 10am on Sunday.

He said the fire had been contained, and crews were working to put it out.

Seven fire trucks, including two water tankers responded to the blaze, he said.

Rice said that number had since decreased to three fire trucks by 11am. He said there did not appear to be much damage.

Morris and James made headlines recently when directors announced the business would close after 47 years due to the tough economic environment.

This story was originally published by RNZ