Carus completes rebuild project following January 2023 fire

Carus completed its Rebuild Project, marking its effort to return to normal operations after the fire on Jan. 11, 2023, in La Salle.

Vice President of Human Resources Lyndsay Bliss said in a June 2024 news release, the general contractor and subcontractors mobilized a field team to the site during the week of Jan. 15 after months of planning and engineering.

Carus rebuilt the areas affected after the January 2023 fire, including the CAIROX packaging area, the warehouse space and related equipment used in raw material transport throughout the manufacturing process, Bliss said in June 2024.

Carus said in a Monday news release the rebuild provided Carus the opportunity not only to restore operations but also to enhance its ongoing commitment to safety and environmental responsibility through key improvements, including:

• Fire Safety Enhancements: A fire sprinkler system and fire detection and alarm systems have been installed, designed to provide fast, reliable response in the event of an emergency, the company said. The facility also features three-hour fire-rated internal concrete walls, offering additional protection and allowing more time for evacuation and emergency response.

• Improved Packaging: Carus has redesigned its packaging and pallet system, improving handling safety and efficiency for employees. Ergonomic improvements to the packaging line have also been made to enhance employee comfort and safety, the company said.

• Advanced Environmental Containment: While Carus has fully complied with environmental regulations, the rebuild allowed the company to go beyond these requirements, it said. A new advanced containment system was implemented to safely manage and recycle water on-site, further reducing environmental footprint and reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability.

• Energy Efficiency Upgrades: New systems to better control heating and cooling have been installed, improving energy efficiency throughout the facility. These upgrades set a new benchmark for environmentally friendly operations at Carus, exceeding regulatory standards, the news release said.

Carus CEO Andy Johnston said the rebuild represents more than just a return to normal operations – it reflects the company’s continuous drive to innovate and improve.

“We’ve implemented solutions that not only meet today’s standards but set the stage for a safer, more sustainable future for both Carus and the community in which we operate,” Johnston said in the news release. “We also want to extend our thanks to our neighbors, the city of La Salle, and the broader community for their patience and understanding throughout the rebuilding process.We recognize that the additional noise and traffic impacted the area, and we are deeply grateful for the community’s continued support.”

Carus said it remains dedicated to leading with integrity, safety and sustainability, continuing to serve the community and its customers with responsible and innovative practices.