Momence Fire Protection District Chief Jim Spoon updated the loss from last Tuesday's fire at the Gilster-Mary Lee factory to $20-million.  Discussions were underway Friday as to what the future holds.  But the loss of the plant leaves 80 employees out of work.  The scause hasn't been determined.  The State Fire Marshal is investigating.

Chief Spoon sdaid the local fire department has been called back to the site on E. Washington Avenue a couple of times, the fire rekindling.

Fire crews responded around 11 pm Tuesday and were on the scene until mid-day Wednesday.  The fir was extinguished around 8:30 Wednesday morning.  The 40,000 square foot building was ruled a total loss.  No one was injured.

Gilster-Mary Lee, based in Chester, produces a variety of food products for private labels. The Momence site produces hot chocolate mixes; chocolate, caramel and strawberry-flavored syrup. Thed Momence site had a workforce of 80.  The company also has two other locations that produce packaging materials. 

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