A Great Bend man died Thursday afternoon in what authorities are calling an industrial accident at the Fuller Industries plant west of Great Bend.

According to Great Bend Police Chief Cliff Couch, Great Bend Police Department officers arrived at the facility at about 12:15 p.m. following the report that someone had been injured. They found a victim with head injuries.

“When they got there, it was quite clear the man was dead,” Couch said. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family members.

Although the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, the death appears to be the result of an accident, and police have no reason to suspect foul play, Couch said. “A thorough investigation is currently being conducted.”

Employees were sent home for the day.

“This is obviously a great loss to our community,” Couch said. “Today, a lot of people in Great Bend lost a friend or family member. I hope that the community will join me in keeping these friends and family in our thoughts and prayers.” 

A company official said Thursday afternoon that they planned to gather Friday and prepare a news release and issue a statement.

Fuller Industries, formerly known as Fuller Brush, is a manufacturer of commercial cleaning supplies, custom brushes and private-label chemicals. It operates a 600,000-square-foot plant at the intersection of West Barton County Road and SW 40 Avenue.

The company dates back to 1906.