ALBERT LEA, Minn. — The giant warehouse destroyed by fire Thursday was owned by Merrick’s of Minnesota, a limited liability company. Public records list the owner as Diane Merrick of Albert Lea. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2018. The building was built by Rilco Laminated Products on a siding of former Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad in the late 1930s. Rilco manufactured glued laminated arches and trusses. Rilco was purchased by the Washington state-based Weyerhauser timber company in 1960. Weyerhauser closed the facility n 1982, and Alamco Wood Products took over. Most recently the building was used by Freeborn Foods, a manufacturer of syrups and sauces.
Earlier: Neighbors evacuated as fire engulfs warehouse