New Lenox cabinet company plans to rebuild as fire destroys business

NEW LENOX, Ill. (WLS) -- Owners of Tri-Star Cabinets & Top Co. said they plan to rebuild their nearly 60-year-old business after a fire destroyed it in the south suburbs.

Chopper 7 was over the scene about 11:30 a.m., and large flames and heavy smoke could be seen coming from the company located at 1000 S. Cedar Road in New Lenox.

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There were about 60 to 70 employees inside the building at the time the fire started.

The company owners were devasted to see their business, that's been open since 1970 burn to the ground.

"It was just a normal workday here and then fire alarms went off," Owner of Tri Star Cabinet Joe Wilda III said. "Buildings can be replaced but at the end of the day our employees are what matter first and most and everyone's okay."

More than 22 different agencies responded to the scene near Cedar Road. At one point, part of the building collapsed.

The owners said they plan to rebuild and "come back better than ever."

All employees in the building were evacuated and no injuries were reported, according to authorities.

"It's really difficult to see these people have put their heart and soul into this business for 60 years and are great community members so we're grateful everyone is ok and we're going to do everything we can as a village to help them rebuild," New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann said.

New Lenox Fire Protection District said they were monitoring the air quality with the EPA.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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