Morgan Li Chicago Heights, Illinois manufacturing warehouse reopens after destructive 2023 fire
Share and Follow

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — It was two years ago when the Morgan Li furniture manufacturing warehouse was destroyed in a massive fire. But now, it is back and better than before.

Work is underway on Tuesday at the south suburban warehouse, creating custom furniture for businesses across the country and around the world. Being back up and running is a comeback story the owners had dreamed of.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“It’s joy. It’s happiness. It’s resiliency. It’s rising from the ashes, I guess,” said Morgan Li President Jonathan Rosenband.

Jonathan and his brother, CEO Andy Rosenband, are the third-generation owners of Morgan Li manufacturing.

Two years ago, their family business was destroyed in a massive fire.

Fire engulfed the Chicago Heights warehouse, and smoke could be seen for miles in February 2023.

But the brothers were determined to rebuild on the ashes of the old site.

“Once we saw we were going to be OK, we went straight into problem-solving mode and mobilization and getting this thing back on track,” Andy said.

Back on track and looking to the future, they built a new, 240,000-square-foot energy-efficient facility that brings all operations under one roof.

But most important was keeping the company in Chicago Heights.

“This new facility reflects the very heart of our town. We take care of one another. We show up. We rebuild. Not just structures, but trust, hope and pride,” said Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon.

Tuesday was a chance for community partners to take a look at the new warehouse and to thank members of the Chicago Heights fire and police departments, who worked hard to battle the fire and keep everyone safe.

“It’s just a great, full-circle moment for us, and to be able to be a part of this is an extreme honor,” said Chicago Heights Fire Chief Wendell Thomas.

The company has added more jobs than before the fire, for a total of 250 employees at this site.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Sinners' makes history, setting Oscars nomination record

Record-Breaking Milestone: ‘Sinners’ Shatters Oscars Nomination History

Ryan Coogler’s enthralling vampire saga, “Sinners,” has swept the board at the…
Husband of alleged Minnesota church invasion organizer dismisses 'Beavis and Butt-Head' DOJ prosecution

Spouse of Accused Minnesota Church Invasion Leader Criticizes DOJ’s ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ Charges

The husband of a woman, whom Attorney General Pam Bondi credited with…
'Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord' | A new animated series on Disney+ set after the Clone Wars 

Disney+ Unveils ‘Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord’: An Animated Saga Post-Clone Wars

LOS ANGELES — The enigmatic Maul is back in a newly animated…
Boat captain accused of selling cocaine found at sea to undercover cops in sun-soaked tourist haven: police

Tourist Hotspot Bust: Boat Captain Allegedly Caught Selling Cocaine to Undercover Officers at Sea

A Florida charter boat captain has found himself in legal trouble after…
Justin Baldoni's creepy Britney Spears comment exposed in Lively texts

Justin Baldoni’s Controversial Britney Spears Remark Uncovered in Revealing Text Exchanges with Blake Lively

Blake Lively and her co-star from “It Ends With Us,” Jenny Slate,…
Chicago Bears stadium search: Indiana state lawmakers advance Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to lure NFL team

Indiana Eyes New Stadium Authority to Attract Chicago Bears from Illinois

CHICAGO (WLS) — In a recent communication with Bears season ticket holders,…
Prince Harry says Brits who died in Afghanistan deserve 'respect'

Prince Harry Emphasizes the Importance of Honoring British Lives Lost in Afghanistan

Prince Harry has openly criticized Donald Trump for his remarks regarding the…
Family files lawsuit after 12-year-old girl patted down by Joliet Police Department officer during traffic stop | Video

Family Takes Legal Action After Joliet Police Officer’s Pat-Down of 12-Year-Old Girl Caught on Video During Traffic Stop

The family of a 12-year-old girl, who was frisked by a Joliet…