February 22nd, 2023
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
A 500,000 ft2 manufacturing facility in Chicago Heights, Illinois was destroyed in a fire on February 6th. The fire started at 6 a.m. in one building and quickly spread to neighboring buildings. People reported seeing smoke many miles from the scene. Multiple fire departments responded to the multi-alarm fire, which fully engulfed the manufacturing facility, ultimately being completely burnt down. Crews remained on scene all day to monitor any hot spots.
The fire was at the Morgan Li manufacturing facility, a third-generation family-owned business. The business had evolved into a mixed-materials company that incorporated metal, wood, and graphic elements to build its often-custom products. The company fabricates fixtures, furniture, and graphics for retail and hospitality companies. These include the Ritz Carlton, Gap / Old Navy, and Walmart.
Among other buildings, the fire destroyed a recently purchased facility expansion. In January 2022, Morgan Li purchased the additional 230,000 ft2 facility for $3 million. The facility is located near other company manufacturing buildings and near the company headquarters.
A statement says Morgan Li considers all their employees to be family and will do everything they can to rebuild what was lost.
The cause of the fire is unknown. The federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, along with Illinois State Fire Marshal and Chicago Heights Fire and Police departments, are working to investigate.
Please Contact Risk Logic for a full detailed Property Risk Inspection. The inspections include a review of the adequacy of the fire protection systems, inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) programs, cutting and welding and impairment management procedures and other Human Element programs. In addition, having an effective Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place can help to recover after a disaster such as a major fire. Contact us for all your property loss prevention and BCP needs.