Pittsburgh Corning Trust
Pittsburgh Corning Trust: $3.14 Billion Paid, 19% Payment Rate, UNIBESTOS Insulation Giant's 16-Year Bankruptcy Legacy
Executive Summary
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 for future claimants. 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. The trust recognizes exposures at two primary manufacturing facilities in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania and Tyler, Texas, as well as thousands of installation sites across the United States where UNIBESTOS was used from 1962 through 1972.
Why This Matters
Pittsburgh Corning's 19-20% payment rate makes it one of the most valuable individual trust claims available to mesothelioma victims. While some trusts pay less than 5% of scheduled values, Pittsburgh Corning's strong asset position and relatively conservative claim projections allow it to pay nearly one-fifth of scheduled amounts—delivering $50,000 for mesothelioma claims compared to under $20,000 from many other major trusts.
| ⛔ 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 Box: Pittsburgh Corning Trust Essential Information
| Critical Trust Fund Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Trust Established | April 2016 (after 16+ years in bankruptcy) |
| Initial Funding | Approximately $3.5 billion from PPG, Corning, and insurers |
| Total Paid to Date | Over $3.14 billion to asbestos victims |
| Current Assets | $1.114 billion remaining |
| Claims Filed Pre-Bankruptcy | Over 400,000 lawsuits (200,000 settled before filing) |
| Current Payment Percentage | 19-20% of scheduled values |
| Mesothelioma Scheduled Value | $250,000 (actual payout: ~$50,000) |
| Company Bankruptcy Filed | April 2000 |
| Bankruptcy Duration | 16+ years (one of longest Chapter 11 cases in U.S. history) |
| High-Risk Occupations | Nearly 2,000 professions recognized |
| Trust Administrator | Delaware Claims Processing Facility (DCPF) |
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.
| ⚠️ Historical Evidence: Because of the widespread use of UNIBESTOS during a particularly intense period of industrial development (1962-1972), many workers and their families were injured by Pittsburgh Corning's negligent failure to warn about asbestos dangers. Internal company documents showing this knowledge have been used in thousands of successful lawsuits. |
Where Were Pittsburgh Corning Manufacturing Facilities Located?
Pittsburgh Corning operated two primary manufacturing facilities where UNIBESTOS and other asbestos-containing products were produced:
Port Allegany, Pennsylvania
- Primary manufacturing facility
- Located in McKean County, northwestern Pennsylvania
- Produced UNIBESTOS and other insulation products
- Workers faced direct occupational exposure
Tyler, Texas
- Secondary manufacturing facility
- Site of significant litigation, including the landmark 1977 settlement
- Workers experienced high levels of asbestos exposure
- Community members also affected through environmental contamination
| "My father worked at an oil refinery where Pittsburgh Corning insulation was installed throughout the facility. He never worked at the factory—he was exposed when installers cut UNIBESTOS to fit around pipes and equipment. The dust was everywhere." — Larry Gates, Client Advocate, Danziger & De Llano |
How Did Pittsburgh Corning's Historic 16-Year Bankruptcy Unfold?
Pittsburgh Corning's bankruptcy became one of the longest and most complex Chapter 11 proceedings in American legal history, lasting over 16 years from filing to trust establishment.
Pre-Bankruptcy Crisis
By the late 1990s, Pittsburgh Corning faced overwhelming asbestos litigation:
- More than 400,000 lawsuits filed against the company
- Approximately 200,000 cases settled before bankruptcy filing
- Mounting evidence of corporate knowledge dating back decades
- Financial resources insufficient to address projected future claims
Bankruptcy Timeline
April 2000: Pittsburgh Corning files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
2000-2013: Extended negotiations between Pittsburgh Corning, parent companies (PPG and Corning), insurers, and claimant representatives
May 2013: U.S. Bankruptcy Court confirms the reorganization plan (with revised opinion and final order)
April 2016: Pittsburgh Corning officially emerges from bankruptcy; trust begins accepting claims
July 2017: Owens Corning acquires Pittsburgh Corning for $560 million in cash
Trust Funding Structure
The Pittsburgh Corning Trust received funding from multiple sources:
PPG Industries Contributions:
- Approximately $825 million in cash (paid over 10 years)
- Around 1.4 million shares of PPG stock (or cash equivalent)
- Relinquished interests in Pittsburgh Corning and Pittsburgh Corning Europe
Corning Incorporated Contributions:
- Initial contribution of roughly $500 million
- 2.8 million shares of Corning stock
- Shares in Pittsburgh Corning Europe
Insurance Contributions:
- PPG's insurers contributed approximately $1.7 billion through 2027
- Additional $350 million in future cash payments from PPG through 2023
| ✅ Strong Financial Position: The robust funding structure from two Fortune 500 parent companies plus major insurers explains why Pittsburgh Corning maintains one of the highest payment percentages (19-20%) among asbestos trusts. The trust's $1.114 billion in current assets supports projected sustainability of 20+ years. |
What Notable Lawsuits Shaped Pittsburgh Corning Litigation?
Several landmark cases established the legal foundation for Pittsburgh Corning's asbestos liability.
1977 Tyler Plant Workers Settlement
One of the most significant early cases involved workers at the Tyler, Texas manufacturing facility:
- Workers exposed to extreme asbestos conditions
- Settlement established precedent for future claims
- Revealed extent of hazardous working conditions
UNARCO Bankruptcy and Product Liability Transfer
UNARCO (Union Asbestos and Rubber Company), the original developer of UNIBESTOS, filed for bankruptcy in 1982 and established an asbestos trust in 1990. When injured persons realized UNARCO's trust couldn't fully compensate them for UNIBESTOS injuries, they pursued Pittsburgh Corning.
Courts established that Pittsburgh Corning was responsible for the UNIBESTOS product line since it had purchased substantially all of UNARCO's business. This ruling significantly expanded Pittsburgh Corning's liability.
| "The Pittsburgh Corning litigation established important precedents about successor liability—when one company buys another's product line, they can inherit the asbestos liabilities too. This principle has helped victims recover compensation in many subsequent cases." — Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
What Compensation Can You Receive from the Pittsburgh Corning Trust?
The Pittsburgh Corning Trust offers some of the highest actual payouts among major asbestos trusts due to its strong 19-20% payment percentage.
Current Scheduled Values and Payouts
| Disease Level | Scheduled Value | Payment at 20% |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4 — Mesothelioma | $250,000 | $50,000 |
| Level 3 — Lung Cancer | $100,000 | $20,000 |
| Level 2 — Severe Asbestosis | $45,000 | $9,000 |
| Level 1 — Pleural Disease | $12,000 | $2,400 |
How Pittsburgh Corning Compares to Other Trusts
| Trust | Payment % | Meso Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Corning | 19-20% | $50,000 |
| Johns Manville | 5.1% | ~$17,850 |
| Owens Corning | 4.7% | ~$10,105 |
| Fibreboard | 3.7% | ~$7,955 |
| ✅ Value Comparison: A Pittsburgh Corning mesothelioma claim pays approximately $50,000—nearly three times the Johns Manville payout and five times the Owens Corning payout. This makes Pittsburgh Corning one of the most valuable individual trust claims available. |
Who Qualifies for Pittsburgh Corning Trust Claims?
To file a successful claim with the Pittsburgh Corning Trust, you must establish:
Qualification Requirements
1. Diagnosed Asbestos-Related Disease:
- Mesothelioma (Level 4 — highest compensation)
- Lung cancer with asbestos exposure (Level 3)
- Severe asbestosis (Level 2)
- Pleural disease or plaques (Level 1)
2. Documented Exposure to Pittsburgh Corning Products:
- UNIBESTOS insulation (primary product)
- Other Pittsburgh Corning asbestos-containing materials
- Exposure at manufacturing facilities (Port Allegany, Tyler)
- Exposure at installation sites (power plants, refineries, commercial buildings)
3. Meeting Filing Deadlines:
- Statute of limitations varies by state
- Trust-specific filing requirements apply
- File promptly to preserve rights before document destruction
| "The Pittsburgh Corning Trust recognizes nearly 2,000 high-risk occupations. If your family member worked around industrial insulation during the 1960s and 1970s, there's a good chance UNIBESTOS was involved. We help identify all the products and trusts that apply to each case." — Michelle Whitman, Attorney, Danziger & De Llano |
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
Related Wiki Pages
- Asbestos Trust Funds Master Database
- Johns Manville Trust
- Owens Corning Trust
- W.R. Grace Trust
- Statute of Limitations Guide
- Evidence Preservation Guide
Get Help Filing Your Pittsburgh Corning Trust Claim
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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.
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Citations and Sources
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.