Key Takeaways
- For decades, many companies manufactured asbestos-containing products despite knowing the health risks — because asbestos was cheap, heat-resistant, flexible, and strong.
- Known asbestos product manufacturers include Johns Manville Corporation, Foster Wheeler, Aurora Pump Company, Borg-Warner Inc., and Owens Corning — among many others.
- Many of these companies have been held accountable through lawsuits. To manage the volume of claims, many established asbestos trust funds — with over $30 billion currently available for mesothelioma and asbestos disease victims.
- Trust fund claims do not require filing a lawsuit or going to court — they are a separate compensation pathway specifically for victims of companies that have gone bankrupt.
- In Pennsylvania, you have 2 years after your asbestos-related diagnosis to file a lawsuit. Acting quickly is important to preserve your legal rights.
For decades there were many companies that manufactured asbestos products despite knowing the health risks associated with breathing in asbestos fibers. Asbestos was seemingly an ideal material for many companies, as it was relatively cheap compared to other products, heat resistant, flexible, and had high tensile strength. The downside of using this material is that it is a carcinogen. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause various types of cancers and asbestos-related diseases. Many companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products and used asbestos throughout the company have been held accountable for negligently exposing their employees to asbestos.
It is important to note that if someone is exposed to asbestos, they do not typically experience symptoms of an asbestos-related disease until decades later, this is often referred to as a latency period. Recognizing the symptoms associated with an asbestos-related disease allows those who are experiencing these symptoms obtain a diagnosis earlier, usually allowing for more treatment options. Common symptoms of mesothelioma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
Known Companies That Manufactured Asbestos Products
The most common source of asbestos exposure is occupational exposure often related to working daily with asbestos contaminated materials. Breathing in asbestos is cause for concern and can lead to developing an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma later in life.
Some of the known companies that manufactured asbestos products include:
- Johns Manville Corporation
- Foster Wheeler
- Aurora Pump Company
- Borg-Warner Inc.
- Owens Corning
Those who were at very high risk of being exposed to asbestos during the workday include:
- Construction Workers
- Electricians
- Power plant workers
- Shipyard workers
- Boiler workers
- Navy veterans
Negligently Exposing Employees to Asbestos
Many of the companies that manufactured asbestos products and negligently exposed employees to asbestos have faced retaliation for their actions. To avoid being sued countless times by those who were exposed to their products who later developed an asbestos-related disease, many of these manufacturers set money aside in an asbestos trust fund. These trust funds allow victims of asbestos-related diseases to file claims with the trust and receive compensation without filing a lawsuit and without any chance of going to court. There is currently $30 billion available in these trust funds for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to note that you have 2 years after your asbestos-related diagnosis to file a lawsuit.
Our experienced team is very knowledgeable about the companies that manufactured asbestos products and how these companies exposed workers to this hazardous material. We have helped hundreds of people who have been affected by the negligence of these companies receive their rightful compensation. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease, let us help you. We offer a multitude of free resources for those who have been affected by asbestos in Pennsylvania. For more information call us at (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or utilize our chat feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies manufactured asbestos products?
Numerous companies manufactured products containing asbestos. Some of the most well-known include:
- Johns Manville Corporation — construction and insulation products
- Foster Wheeler — boilers and industrial equipment
- Aurora Pump Company — pumps and mechanical equipment
- Borg-Warner Inc. — automotive and industrial components
- Owens Corning — insulation and building materials
Other companies identified across this site include Westinghouse Electric, U.S. Steel, Weil-McLain, Babcock & Wilcox, Combustion Engineering, Cleaver-Brooks, General Electric, General Motors, Bendix Corporation, and Advance Auto Parts — among many others.
What are asbestos trust funds?
Asbestos trust funds were established by companies that went bankrupt due to the volume of asbestos-related lawsuits filed against them. As part of their bankruptcy proceedings, these companies were required to set aside money to compensate current and future victims. There are currently over 60 active trust funds with approximately $30 billion available. Filing a trust fund claim does not require a lawsuit or court appearance — an experienced mesothelioma attorney can file claims on your behalf with one or multiple trusts.
How long do I have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is 2 years after your asbestos-related diagnosis. This means you have two years from the date of diagnosis to file a lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. Because this window is relatively short — and because building a strong case takes time — consulting with a mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible after diagnosis is important.
Which workers were most at risk from these companies’ products?
Workers in occupations that involved daily contact with asbestos-containing materials faced the highest risk:
- Construction workers — exposed through insulation, drywall, siding, and cement
- Electricians — exposed through wiring insulation and electrical components
- Power plant workers — exposed through boilers, pipes, and turbines
- Shipyard workers — exposed through ship insulation and equipment
- Boiler workers — exposed through gaskets, valves, and insulation
- Navy veterans — exposed through ship construction and maintenance
What should I do if I worked with products from one of these companies and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you or a loved one worked with products from any of these manufacturers and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, your exposure history and the specific companies whose products you handled are critical to your case. Compensation may be available through lawsuits, trust fund claims, or VA benefits. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. Remember — Pennsylvania’s 2-year statute of limitations means acting quickly is important.
