Explosion & Fire At Kindel Furniture

The Grand Rapids Press reported on a "massive fire" at the Kindle Furniture factory, built in 1912, that included an explosion. See the full story at http://bit.ly/k2dWWE.

Kindle company officials reported that, the fire will not disrupt the company's order fulfillment or product shipments because manufacturing was moved in January to its new facility at 4047 Eastern Avenue SE.

Kindel President John VanZee said the former factory at 100 Garden Street SE has been unoccupied for several months after the company moved its production equipment and its employees to the new location.  Grand Rapids fire officials said no one was injured in the fire that may have started about noon when contractors were dismantling old equipment on the building's third floor.

"The loss of the historic building constructed in 1912 will be mourned by many in the Grand Rapids community," VanZee said.  "Kindel also is deeply saddened to lose of such a rich part of its history, but the loss won't prevent us from continuing our heritage in the production of 100 percent domestically made high-end furniture."  Established in 1901, Kindel employs 120 in the design and manufacture of luxury furniture with a particular emphasis on craftsmanship that includes hand-rubbed finishes, hard carving and hand decoration.