CASS COUNTY, MI — A fire broke out at a plastics factory in southwest Michigan last month, leaving a pile of charred rubble where part of a longtime family business once stood.
Fire doors and the quick action of numerous firefighters saved the new addition, officials said. But on Sunday night, Feb. 25, a fire destroyed another building at TriStar Molding, Inc. (51540 M-40) in Marcellus Township. The town is approximately 30 miles southwest of Kalamazoo.
Fire officials said there were no reports of injuries.
“We want to thank God first and foremost,” co-owner Julie DeKoning told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette in the days after the fire.
“Without him, we would be nothing,” she said in an email message. “He sustains us and creates a path where there seems to be no path.”
DeKoning said the business had received all kinds of support from the community. Local restaurants donated meals for firefighters and residents helped keep firefighters hydrated, officials said.
Mr DeKoning thanked the many firefighters and others who attended to stop the fire and assist emergency personnel.
“There were 20 fire departments and 20 tankers responding to the rescue call, so there was a lot to organize, but they all responded honestly and safely, literally saving our newest addition. “I gave it to you,” she said.
“I can't say enough about all of them and what they did to help us,” she said.
The large commercial fire was caused by an injection molding machine, Fire Chief Rob Olsen previously told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette.
Firefighters pumped water from a nearby lake and trucked it in to extinguish the blaze, and also used a water tower as a water source, the chief said. He called it a “huge” fire and said it took more than 700,000 gallons of water to extinguish it.
Burnt buildings continued to smolder for days after the fire was extinguished because the plastic hardened and formed layers that had to be peeled away by machines to extinguish hot spots.
The company manufactures plastic molded products used in everything from furniture to construction materials and more. In the days since the fire, TriStar is carving a path forward while caring for its customers and employees, DeKoning said.
The top priority is the needs of employees and customers, DeKoning said. Some employees have been working there for more than 10 years.
According to its website, TriStar is a Christian-based company. The owners rely on their beliefs and the support of the relationships and supporters they have built over decades of business. Records show the company was formed as an LLC in 1995.
“We are truly overwhelmed by the love and support,” DeKoning said in the days after the fire. “We intend to return to production as soon as possible.”
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