Mlily factory fire destroys Winnsboro facility

 

A fire that broke out at the Mlily USA factory in Winnsboro Aug. 16 has destroyed the 650,000-square-foot facility, according to local emergency personnel.

Vic Carpenter, Fairfield County administrator, said the factory is considered a “total loss.”

More than 150 firefighters from across the state of South Carolina responded over the two days to contain the fire; however, the facility’s roof collapsed Monday afternoon.

The company, which opened the factory in 2019, manufactured mattresses and poured foam onsite. The former Mack Truck facility was Mlily’s first U.S. factory.

Mlily executives said the company is implementing a “recovery strategy” to expand production across its U.S. manufacturing network, that includes facilities in Rock Hill, S.C., and in Glendale, Ariz. Production at the Arizona factory is expected to increase by about 50% over the next 60 days, the company said.

While assessments continue regarding the impact to products and inventory, Mlily’s operations, planning, logistics, and customer service teams are working to minimize disruption, maintain service for retailers and restore capacity.

“This is a significant event for our company, but we are confident in our ability to adapt and continue serving the market thanks to the strength of our manufacturing strategy,” said Kyle Robertson, Mlily COO. “We are rapidly expanding production in Glendale, increasing capacity across our network, and taking decisive action to support our customers and retail partners. While challenges remain, our team is confident we will emerge stronger than before.”

Mlily continues to cooperate with local authorities while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The fire started Sunday around 9:58 a.m., and Carpenter said by 6 p.m. Sunday, the fire was considered under control. By around 11:30 p.m., the blaze reignited and spread through most of the factory. Firefighters contained the fire again by 8 a.m. Monday, but it again reignited.

“The building was a total loss at that point, with fire going through the roof and totally inundating the entire facility,” Carpenter said.

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have been monitoring conditions around the facility.

Mlily said in a statement Monday morning that the situation was active, and the cause of the fire and extent of the damage have not yet been determined. The company said it is cooperating fully with emergency personnel and will provide additional information as details become available and can be confirmed.

Writer Sheila Long O’Mara is executive editor of Furniture Today, part of the BridgeTower Media network.

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