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Pittsburgh Corning Trust

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Pittsburgh Corning Trust Quick Facts
UNIBESTOS manufacturer's $3.5 billion trust
Payment Rate 19-20%
Meso Scheduled Value $250,000
Actual Meso Payout ~$50,000
Total Distributed $3.14+ Billion
Current Assets $1.114 Billion
Administrator DCPF
🛡️ Check Your Eligibility

The Pittsburgh Corning Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust offers one of the highest payment percentages among major asbestos trusts at 19-20%, resulting in actual mesothelioma payouts of approximately $50,000 per claim. Established in 2016 after one of the longest Chapter 11 bankruptcies in American history (over 16 years), the trust has distributed more than $3.14 billion to asbestos victims and maintains $1.114 billion in current assets. Pittsburgh Corning Corporation, formed in 1937 as a joint venture between PPG Industries and Corning Glass Works, manufactured the infamous UNIBESTOS insulation product that exposed workers in nearly 2,000 high-risk occupations to deadly asbestos fibers.

Pittsburgh Corning Trust at a glance:

  • 19-20% payment rate — among the highest of any major asbestos trust, paying nearly one-fifth of scheduled claim values
  • $3.14+ billion distributed — total compensation paid to asbestos victims since the trust's establishment in 2016
  • $250,000 mesothelioma scheduled value — yielding actual payouts of approximately $50,000 per mesothelioma claim at the current rate
  • $1.114 billion in current assets — strong financial position projects 20+ years of continued operation at current payment levels
  • 16-year bankruptcy (2000-2016) — one of the longest Chapter 11 proceedings in U.S. history before the trust was finally established
  • 400,000+ pre-bankruptcy lawsuits — over 200,000 were settled before the April 2000 bankruptcy filing
  • UNIBESTOS peak use 1962-1972 — the signature insulation product was installed in power plants, refineries, and industrial facilities across America
  • ~2,000 recognized high-risk occupations — the trust's exposure matrix covers one of the broadest occupational ranges of any asbestos trust
  • DCPF-administered — Delaware Claims Processing Facility oversees claims, specializing in complex multi-fund structures
  • Document destruction began April 15, 2025 — claim records over 10 years old are being destroyed despite 15 state Attorneys General objections
⛔ URGENT: Document Destruction Notice — The Pittsburgh Corning Trust issued a Notice of Destruction announcing plans to destroy claim records over 10 years old. Destruction began April 15, 2025. File your claim immediately and preserve all employment records, product identification, and witness information.

Key Facts: Pittsburgh Corning Trust

Metric Finding
Trust Establishment Date April 2016, following 16+ years of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Initial Trust Funding Approximately $3.5 billion contributed by PPG Industries, Corning Glass Works, and their insurers under the confirmed reorganization plan
Total Compensation Paid Over $3.14 billion distributed to asbestos disease victims and their families since trust activation (DCPF annual reports)
Current Trust Assets $1.114 billion remaining, projecting 20+ years of continued operation at current payment levels (trust financial disclosures)
Payment Percentage 19-20% of scheduled values — among the highest of all major asbestos trusts (RAND Corporation trust comparison data)
Mesothelioma Scheduled Value $250,000 per qualifying mesothelioma claim, yielding actual payouts of approximately $50,000 at the current 19-20% rate
Pre-Bankruptcy Litigation Over 400,000 asbestos-related lawsuits filed against Pittsburgh Corning, with 200,000+ settled before the April 2000 bankruptcy filing
UNIBESTOS Peak Production 1962-1972 peak manufacturing period, coinciding with intense U.S. industrial expansion in power generation and refinery construction
Recognized High-Risk Occupations Nearly 2,000 occupational categories listed in the trust's exposure matrix, one of the broadest occupational ranges of any asbestos trust
Trust Administrator Delaware Claims Processing Facility (DCPF), which administers multiple asbestos bankruptcy trusts using standardized claims procedures
Owens Corning Acquisition July 2017 — Owens Corning acquired Pittsburgh Corning for $560 million in cash after emergence from bankruptcy; trust operates independently
Document Destruction Start April 15, 2025 — trust began destroying claim records over 10 years old despite formal objections from 15 state Attorneys General (GAO oversight records)

What Was Pittsburgh Corning and Why Is UNIBESTOS So Dangerous?

Pittsburgh Corning Corporation was a major manufacturer of industrial insulation products, best known for its UNIBESTOS line of asbestos-containing insulation that was installed in commercial buildings, power plants, refineries, and industrial facilities across America during the 1960s and early 1970s.

How Was Pittsburgh Corning Formed?

Pittsburgh Corning Corporation was established in 1937 as a 50-50 joint venture between two prominent American glassmakers:

  • PPG Industries (Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company) — Major glass and coatings manufacturer
  • Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) — Specialty glass and ceramics company

This joint venture structure would later become significant during bankruptcy proceedings, as both parent companies were required to contribute billions of dollars to fund the asbestos trust.

ℹ️ Corporate Note: In July 2017, after Pittsburgh Corning emerged from bankruptcy, Owens Corning acquired Pittsburgh Corning for $560 million in cash. The asbestos trust remains separate and continues to process claims independently.

What Was UNIBESTOS and Why Was It So Widely Used?

UNIBESTOS was Pittsburgh Corning's signature asbestos insulation product, originally developed by UNARCO (Union Asbestos and Rubber Company) before Pittsburgh Corning acquired the product line. The product became enormously popular during a critical period of American industrial expansion.

UNIBESTOS Product Characteristics:

  • High-temperature thermal insulation
  • Pipe covering and block insulation
  • Used in boilers, pipes, and industrial equipment
  • Contained significant percentages of asbestos fiber
  • Easy to cut, shape, and install

Peak Use Period: 1962-1972

The heaviest use of UNIBESTOS coincided with an intense period of industrial development in the United States. During this decade, the product was installed in:

  • Power generation plants
  • Oil refineries
  • Chemical processing facilities
  • Commercial buildings
  • Naval and maritime vessels
  • Manufacturing plants
"UNIBESTOS was everywhere in the 1960s. Our clients describe working in clouds of asbestos dust when cutting and fitting this insulation. The companies knew it was dangerous—their own hygienists warned them—but they kept selling it anyway." — Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

What Did Pittsburgh Corning Know About the Dangers?

Court documents and corporate records reveal that Pittsburgh Corning was warned about asbestos hazards but failed to adequately protect workers.

The Morton Corn Investigation (1964-1971):

Between 1964 and 1971, Pittsburgh Corning employed industrial hygiene engineering consultant Morton Corn to evaluate conditions at both manufacturing plants:

  • Corn found both plants posed significantly hazardous exposure to asbestos
  • He recommended engineering control measures to reduce risk
  • The majority of his recommendations were NOT implemented

Workers at the plants sometimes used respirators, but these quickly became clogged with asbestos fibers, rendering them ineffective.


⚠ Statute of Limitations Warning: Filing deadlines vary by state from 1-6 years from diagnosis. Texas allows 2 years from diagnosis or discovery. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.

Which Occupations Had the Highest Pittsburgh Corning Exposure?

The Pittsburgh Corning Trust recognizes nearly 2,000 high-risk professions that were exposed to UNIBESTOS and other company products.

Highest Risk Occupations

Power Plant Workers:

  • Boiler operators and maintenance
  • Turbine technicians
  • Pipe fitters working on steam systems
  • General maintenance personnel

Refinery and Chemical Plant Workers:

  • Process operators
  • Maintenance mechanics
  • Insulation installers
  • Pipefitters and welders

Construction Trades:

  • Insulation workers (highest exposure)
  • Boilermakers
  • Pipefitters and steamfitters
  • HVAC technicians
  • General laborers

Manufacturing Facility Workers:

  • Port Allegany, PA plant employees
  • Tyler, TX plant employees
  • Shipping and warehouse workers
  • Quality control personnel

Building Maintenance:

  • Facility maintenance workers
  • Building engineers
  • Renovation and demolition workers
ℹ️ Secondary Exposure: Family members of Pittsburgh Corning workers may also qualify for trust claims through secondary (take-home) exposure. Asbestos fibers carried on work clothing, skin, and hair exposed spouses and children to dangerous levels of asbestos.

How Do You File a Claim with the Pittsburgh Corning Trust?

The Pittsburgh Corning Trust, administered by the Delaware Claims Processing Facility (DCPF), offers two primary claim review options:

Expedited Review

  • Processing Time: Typically 90 days to 4 months
  • Payment: Fixed amount based on disease level
  • Best For: Straightforward cases with clear UNIBESTOS exposure documentation
  • Advantage: Faster payment, simpler process

Individual Review

  • Processing Time: 6-18 months
  • Payment: Potentially higher based on individual circumstances
  • Best For: Complex cases, exceptional damages, unclear exposure
  • Considerations: Severity of disease, economic losses, exposure duration

Required Documentation

Document Type Purpose
Pathology report Confirms mesothelioma or asbestos disease diagnosis and level
Medical records Documents disease progression and treatment
Employment history Shows work at facilities where UNIBESTOS was used
Product identification Links exposure specifically to Pittsburgh Corning/UNIBESTOS products
Witness affidavits Co-worker statements confirming exposure conditions
Death certificate Required for wrongful death claims by family members

Can You File Both a Pittsburgh Corning Trust Claim and a Lawsuit?

Yes. Filing a Pittsburgh Corning Trust claim does not prevent you from pursuing additional compensation:

Additional Compensation Sources:

  • Other Trust Funds: Most mesothelioma victims qualify for 5-15 different trusts
  • Lawsuits: Against solvent companies that haven't declared bankruptcy
  • VA Benefits: Veterans receive disability compensation alongside trust payments
  • Workers' Compensation: Available in most states
  • Social Security Disability: For qualifying conditions
"Pittsburgh Corning's $50,000 mesothelioma payment is significant, but it's usually just one piece of a much larger recovery. We recently helped a power plant worker's family recover from Pittsburgh Corning plus eight other trusts, VA benefits, and a lawsuit settlement—total compensation exceeded $800,000." — David Foster, Senior Client Advocate, Danziger & De Llano

What Is the Document Destruction Controversy?

In early 2025, the Pittsburgh Corning Trust joined other major asbestos trusts in announcing plans to destroy historical claim records.

Timeline of Events

  • January 15, 2025: Pittsburgh Corning Trust issues Notice of Destruction
  • April 11, 2025: Coalition of 15 state Attorneys General demand halt to destruction
  • April 15, 2025: Destruction begins at Pittsburgh Corning and other trusts

State Attorney General Concerns

The 15-state coalition raised serious objections:

  • Documents essential for fraud prevention and claim verification
  • Records support transparency in asbestos litigation
  • Destruction may undermine state transparency laws
  • Historical data valuable for future claimants
⛔ Immediate Action Required: If you or a family member was exposed to UNIBESTOS or other Pittsburgh Corning products, preserve all documentation now and file claims immediately. Document destruction may eliminate evidence needed for future claims.

What Is the Future Outlook for the Pittsburgh Corning Trust?

The Pittsburgh Corning Trust maintains a strong financial position with favorable long-term projections:

Trust Sustainability:

  • Current assets: $1.114 billion
  • Payment percentage: 19-20% (among highest of major trusts)
  • Projected sustainability: 20+ years at current payment levels
  • Robust funding from Fortune 500 parent companies

Key Advantages:

  • Higher payment percentage than most peer trusts
  • Strong asset base supports continued high payments
  • Well-established claims processing through DCPF
  • Clear documentation of UNIBESTOS exposure patterns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is UNIBESTOS and why does it matter for Pittsburgh Corning Trust claims?

UNIBESTOS was Pittsburgh Corning's signature asbestos-containing thermal insulation product, used extensively in power plants, oil refineries, chemical facilities, and commercial buildings from 1962 to 1972. It is the primary product driving trust claims because workers who cut, shaped, or installed UNIBESTOS were exposed to high concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers. Identifying UNIBESTOS at your worksite is a key element of establishing a valid claim.

Why does the Pittsburgh Corning Trust have one of the highest payment rates?

The Pittsburgh Corning Trust pays 19-20% of scheduled claim values, which ranks among the highest of all major asbestos trusts. This is primarily because the trust received substantial initial funding of approximately $3.5 billion from Fortune 500 parent companies PPG Industries and Corning Glass Works, and it maintains a strong asset base of $1.114 billion. The trust's actuarial projections support continued high payment percentages for 20 or more years.

What is the difference between expedited review and individual review?

Expedited review processes claims in roughly 90 days to 4 months and pays a fixed amount based on disease category, making it ideal for straightforward cases with clear UNIBESTOS exposure documentation. Individual review takes 6-18 months but can result in higher payouts because it accounts for factors like disease severity, economic losses, and duration of exposure. An experienced asbestos attorney can advise which path is likely to yield higher total compensation.

What documentation do I need to file a Pittsburgh Corning Trust claim?

You will need a pathology report confirming your asbestos-related disease diagnosis, medical records documenting treatment, employment history showing work at facilities where UNIBESTOS was installed, product identification evidence linking your exposure to Pittsburgh Corning products, and witness affidavits from co-workers confirming exposure conditions. For wrongful death claims filed by family members, a death certificate is also required.

Can I file claims with multiple asbestos trusts in addition to Pittsburgh Corning?

Yes. Most mesothelioma victims qualify for compensation from 5 to 15 different asbestos trusts because they were typically exposed to asbestos products from multiple manufacturers throughout their careers. Filing a Pittsburgh Corning Trust claim does not prevent you from filing with other trusts, pursuing lawsuits against solvent companies, claiming VA disability benefits, or applying for workers' compensation and Social Security Disability.

Do family members qualify for Pittsburgh Corning Trust compensation?

Family members can file claims through two pathways. First, spouses and children exposed to asbestos through secondary (take-home) exposure — where asbestos fibers were carried home on work clothing, skin, and hair — may file their own disease claims if they develop an asbestos-related illness. Second, surviving family members can file wrongful death claims on behalf of a deceased worker with a death certificate and supporting documentation.

What is happening with the Pittsburgh Corning Trust's document destruction?

Beginning April 15, 2025, the Pittsburgh Corning Trust started destroying claim records that are more than 10 years old. A coalition of 15 state Attorneys General formally objected, arguing that these records are essential for fraud prevention, claim verification, and transparency. If you have a potential claim, it is urgent to file immediately and preserve all personal employment records, product identification evidence, and witness information before supporting documentation is eliminated.

What is the future of the Pittsburgh Corning Trust?

The Pittsburgh Corning Trust holds $1.114 billion in current assets and projects it can sustain operations at the 19-20% payment rate for 20 or more years. The trust is well-funded relative to projected future claims, and its payment percentage has remained stable. New mesothelioma diagnoses from historical UNIBESTOS exposure continue to emerge because the disease has a latency period of 20 to 50 years after initial exposure.

Quick Statistics

  • $50,000 average mesothelioma payout — the Pittsburgh Corning Trust's 19-20% payment rate applied to the $250,000 scheduled value yields one of the higher individual trust payments available to victims
  • 16 years in bankruptcy — Pittsburgh Corning's Chapter 11 case (2000-2016) was among the longest bankruptcy proceedings in American history, delaying compensation for thousands of claimants
  • 200,000+ pre-filing settlements — more than half of the 400,000+ lawsuits against Pittsburgh Corning were resolved before the April 2000 bankruptcy petition was filed
  • $560 million acquisition price — Owens Corning purchased Pittsburgh Corning in July 2017 after its emergence from bankruptcy, while the asbestos trust continues operating independently
  • 2 manufacturing plants — Pittsburgh Corning operated UNIBESTOS production facilities in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania and Tyler, Texas, where workers faced direct asbestos exposure
  • 1937 founding year — the company was formed as a 50-50 joint venture between PPG Industries and Corning Glass Works, both Fortune 500 companies that ultimately funded the trust
  • Morton Corn investigation (1964-1971) — the company's own hired industrial hygienist found both plants posed significantly hazardous asbestos exposure, but the majority of his safety recommendations were never implemented
  • 15 state Attorneys General — a coalition of state legal officials formally objected to the trust's plan to destroy claim records over 10 years old, calling the records essential for fraud prevention
  • 20-50 year latency period — mesothelioma can develop decades after initial UNIBESTOS exposure, meaning new claims continue to be filed from exposures that occurred in the 1960s and 1970s
  • 5-15 trusts per victim — most mesothelioma claimants qualify for multiple asbestos trust funds because workers were typically exposed to products from several different manufacturers

Get Help

Get Help Filing Your Pittsburgh Corning Trust Claim

🛡️ Free Pittsburgh Corning Trust Claim Review
Pittsburgh Corning pays one of the highest percentages among major trusts—$50,000 for mesothelioma claims. Our team identifies all trusts you qualify for and handles all documentation.
📞 Call (855) 699-5441

References and Citations

This article draws from Pittsburgh Corning Trust documentation, U.S. Bankruptcy Court records (Western District of Pennsylvania), SEC filings from PPG Industries and Corning Incorporated, and historical corporate records. Payment percentages and asset levels current as of January 2025.

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