The massive Waikato coolstore explosion that killed a firefighter and resulted in the loss of more than $25m of Fonterra product is still creating friction nearly 3 years later.

Dairy giant Fonterra is taking legal action against the coolstore’s operators, Waikato Coldstorage limited, and maintenance firm Mobile Refrigeration Specialists.

Earlier this week, Fonterra was also granted permission to include the plant’s owners, Icepak Coolstores, in the case.

Auckland High Court Judge, Justice Rodney Hansen, allowed the new company to be listed as a defendant in the case, with Fonterra seeking compensation for their lost product.

Fonterra intimates unlawful and unsafe operation of the coolstore caused the explosion, which claimed the life of firefighter Derek Lovell and injured 7 others in April 2008.