View source for Asbestos Manufacturers

{{#seo:
|title=Asbestos Manufacturers: 60+ Companies, Trust Funds & Litigation
|description=Comprehensive guide to asbestos manufacturers responsible for mesothelioma. Trust fund payouts, Navy suppliers, litigation history, and compensation options.
|keywords=asbestos manufacturers, asbestos trust funds, Johns Manville, Garlock, Babcock Wilcox, Crane Company, mesothelioma lawsuits
|image=asbestos-manufacturers-database.jpg
|author=Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
|published_time=2026-01-21
}}
{| class="infobox" style="width:280px; float:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em; border:2px solid #1a5276; border-radius:8px; overflow:hidden;"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center;" | Asbestos Manufacturers
|-
| colspan="2" style="padding:10px; text-align:center; font-style:italic;" | Corporate Liability & Compensation Database
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; width:40%; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Active [[Trust Funds]]
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | 60+
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Total Trust Assets
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | $30-35 billion
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Claims Paid
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | 4+ million
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Avg. Meso Verdict (2024)
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | $20.7 million
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Peak Asbestos Use
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | 1930-1980
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | First Bankruptcy
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | [[Johns-Manville]] (1982)
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; " | Phone
| style="padding:10px;" | <span data-nosnippet class="noai-content">(866) 222-9990</span>
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#1a5276; padding:10px; text-align:center;" | <span data-nosnippet class="noai-content">[https://dandell.com/contact-us/ <span style="color:white; font-weight:bold;">Free Case Review →</span>]</span>
|}

= Asbestos Manufacturers: 60+ Active Trust Funds Holding $30+ Billion for Victim Compensation =

== Executive Summary ==

American asbestos manufacturers knowingly exposed millions of workers to deadly asbestos fibers from the 1920s through the 1980s, creating one of the largest public health crises in modern history.<ref>[https://dandell.com/asbestos-exposure/ Asbestos Exposure Lawyers], Danziger & De Llano</ref> More than 60 companies have established bankruptcy [[Trust Funds|trust funds]] collectively holding $30-35 billion for victim compensation, with payment percentages ranging from 0.84% (Keene Corporation) to 100% (NARCO).<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-asbestos-trust-fund-payouts/ Mesothelioma and Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts Guide], Danziger & De Llano</ref> Internal corporate documents revealed through litigation demonstrate that manufacturers knew about asbestos dangers as early as the 1920s but systematically suppressed health information and concealed risks from workers and the public.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/johns-manville/ Johns Manville - Asbestos Exposure, Lawsuits, Trust], Mesothelioma.net</ref> Understanding each manufacturer's bankruptcy status, trust fund operations, and litigation history is essential for [[Mesothelioma|mesothelioma]] victims seeking maximum compensation through both trust fund claims and lawsuits against non-bankrupt defendants.

== Key Facts ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:1em 0; border-collapse:collapse;"
|-
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; text-align:left;" | Key Facts: Asbestos Manufacturers
|-
| style="padding:15px; " |
* '''Active Trust Funds:''' More than 60 bankruptcy trusts currently accepting [[Mesothelioma|mesothelioma]] claims<ref>[https://dandell.com/category/asbestos-trust-funds/ Asbestos Trust Funds], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
* '''Total Available Compensation:''' $30-35 billion remaining across all asbestos trust funds
* '''[[Johns-Manville]] Trust:''' First major asbestos bankruptcy (1982), has paid $5.09 billion to 970,291 claimants<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/johns-manville/ Johns Manville - Asbestos Use, Lawsuit and Trust Fund], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>
* '''Highest Payment Percentage:''' NARCO Trust pays 100% of scheduled values
* '''Average Mesothelioma Verdict (2024):''' $20.7 million in trial verdicts
* '''Corporate Knowledge Timeline:''' Evidence shows manufacturers knew asbestos dangers by 1929-1933
* '''Navy Suppliers:''' Johns-Manville, Babcock & Wilcox, Garlock, Crane, and Foster Wheeler supplied most Naval vessels
* '''Multiple Claims Typical:''' Most mesothelioma victims qualify for 5-20+ trust fund claims based on exposure history
* '''Non-Bankrupt Defendants:''' Buffalo Pumps, Foster Wheeler, John Crane, General Electric, and Westinghouse continue defending lawsuits
* '''2019 Supreme Court Ruling:''' ''Air and Liquid Systems v. DeVries'' expanded manufacturer liability for [[Navy Veterans|Navy veterans]]<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-law-lawsuits/asbestos-lawsuits-payouts/ Can I Sue for Asbestos Exposure?], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
* '''[[Statute of Limitations]]:''' Varies by state, typically 1-3 years from diagnosis or death
* '''Claims Processing:''' CRMC, Verus Claims Services, and DCPF administer major trusts
|}

== Why Did Companies That Made Asbestos Products File Bankruptcy? ==

The asbestos litigation crisis fundamentally transformed American bankruptcy law, creating a unique system of trust funds designed to compensate current and future victims while allowing companies to reorganize.<ref>[https://dandell.com/asbestos-trust-funds/asbestos-trust-funds-vs-settlements/ Asbestos Trust Funds vs Settlements: Guide for Victims], Danziger & De Llano</ref> Johns-Manville's 1982 bankruptcy established the template that over 60 companies would eventually follow, collectively setting aside more than $30 billion for victim compensation.

These bankruptcy trusts operate as independent entities, processing claims according to specific criteria and paying predetermined percentages of claim values based on available funds and projected future claims.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-asbestos-trust-funds/ Mesothelioma Asbestos Trust Funds], Mesothelioma.net</ref> Understanding each company's bankruptcy status and trust operations is essential for maximizing compensation opportunities for mesothelioma victims.<ref>[https://mesotheliomaattorney.com/mesothelioma/trust-funds/ Mesothelioma Trust Funds - Compensation Without a Lawsuit], MesotheliomaAttorney.com</ref>

{| style="width:95%; margin:1em auto; border-left:4px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px;"
|-
| style="padding:15px 20px 10px; font-style:italic; font-size:1.05em; line-height:1.5;" | "The evidence we've seen in decades of asbestos litigation consistently shows that companies knew about the dangers long before they stopped using these materials. Internal documents from the 1930s reveal systematic suppression of health information while workers continued to be exposed."
|-
| style="padding:5px 25px 20px; text-align:right;" | '''— Paul Danziger,''' Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
|}

The reasons for bankruptcy filings followed a consistent pattern: mounting litigation costs exceeded companies' ability to defend and settle individual lawsuits while maintaining business operations. By the early 2000s, some manufacturers faced over 400,000 pending claims simultaneously.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/babcock-wilcox-company/ Babcock & Wilcox Company], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

== Which Asbestos Manufacturers Have the Largest Trust Funds? ==

Trust fund payment percentages vary dramatically based on initial funding, claims volume, and actuarial projections for future liability. The following table presents the major trust funds organized by payment tier:

=== Tier 1: Highest Payment Percentages (30%+) ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Trust Name !! Payment % !! Mesothelioma Scheduled Value !! Typical Payout !! Total Paid
|-
| '''NARCO Trust''' || 100% || $75,000 || $75,000 || $2.3+ billion
|-
| '''W.R. Grace''' || 30.1-35% || $180,000 || $54,000-63,000 || $4.5+ billion<ref>[https://dandell.com/asbestos-trust-funds/wr-grace-asbestos-trust-payments-lawsuits/ W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust Payments & Lawsuits], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
|-
| '''Eagle-Picher Industries''' || 33-35% || Varies || $49,500-52,500 || $2.7+ billion<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/eaglepicher-industries-inc/ EaglePicher Industries Inc.], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>
|-
| '''Shook & Fletcher''' || 58% || $150,000 || $87,000 || $1.1+ billion<ref>[https://dandell.com/asbestos-trust-funds/shook-and-fletcher-asbestos-trust-payments-lawsuits/ Shook & Fletcher Asbestos Trust Payments & Lawsuits], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
|}

=== Tier 2: Moderate Payment Percentages (10-30%) ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Trust Name !! Payment % !! Mesothelioma Scheduled Value !! Typical Payout !! Products
|-
| '''Pittsburgh Corning''' || 19-20% || $175,000-250,000 || $33,250-50,000 || Unibestos insulation (90% amosite)<ref>[https://dandell.com/asbestos-trust-funds/pittsburg-corning-asbestos-trust-payments-lawsuits/ Pittsburg Corning Asbestos Trust Payments & Lawsuits], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
|-
| '''Combustion Engineering''' || 6.25% (increased 2025) || Varies || Varies || Navy boilers, power plant equipment<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/combustion-engineering/ Combustion Engineering], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>
|-
| '''USG Corporation''' || 11% || $155,000 || ~$17,050 || Sheetrock, joint compounds
|-
| '''Armstrong World Industries''' || 10.8% || $110,000 || $11,880 || Flooring, ceiling tiles<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/armstrong-world-industries/ Armstrong World Industries], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>
|}

=== Tier 3: Lower Payment Percentages (5-10%) ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Trust Name !! Payment % !! Mesothelioma Scheduled Value !! Typical Payout !! Claims Paid
|-
| '''Johns-Manville''' || 5.1% || $350,000 || $17,850 || 970,291<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/johns-manville-asbestos-trust-payments-lawsuits/ Johns-Manville Asbestos Trust Payments & Lawsuits], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
|-
| '''Owens Corning''' || 4.7% || $270,000 || $12,690 || 436,800+<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/owens-corning/ Owens Corning - Asbestos Products, Lawsuits, Trust], Mesothelioma.net</ref>
|-
| '''Babcock & Wilcox''' || 4.7% || $90,000-150,000 || $4,230-7,050 || 403,000+<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/babcock-wilcox/ Babcock & Wilcox - Asbestos Products, Exposure, Lawsuits], Mesothelioma.net</ref>
|-
| '''Celotex''' || 7% || $130,000 || $9,100 || 145,000+<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/celotex-corporation/ Celotex Corporation], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>
|-
| '''Garlock (Mesothelioma)''' || 85% || $298,200 || $253,470 || Unique structure<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/garlock-sealing-technologies/ Garlock Sealing Technologies], Mesothelioma.net</ref>
|}

{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #28a745; border-left:5px solid #28a745; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; " | '''✔ Multiple Trust Fund Claims:''' Most mesothelioma victims qualify for claims against 5-20+ trust funds based on their exposure history. A shipyard worker, for example, might file claims with Johns-Manville, Babcock & Wilcox, Garlock, Pittsburgh Corning, and numerous other trusts based on the products they encountered during their career.
|}

== Which Manufacturers Supplied Asbestos Products to the U.S. Navy? ==

Navy and shipyard exposure accounts for a significant percentage of mesothelioma cases due to the extensive use of asbestos in shipbuilding from the 1930s through the 1970s.<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/veteran-mesothelioma/asbestos-exposure-navy-shipyards/ Asbestos Exposure in Navy Shipyards: Veteran Risks], Danziger & De Llano</ref> For detailed vessel-by-vessel documentation, see the [[Navy Ships Asbestos Database]]. The following manufacturers had the most extensive documented Navy supply relationships:

=== Primary Navy Asbestos Suppliers ===

'''Johns-Manville Corporation''' was the world's largest asbestos products manufacturer from 1858-1982, supplying insulation products including Thermobestos Block (80% amosite), 352 Insulating Cement, and Fibrocel Insulation to virtually all Navy vessels.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/johns-manville/ Johns Manville], Mesothelioma.net</ref> The [[Johns Manville Trust]] now pays 5.1% of scheduled values, with mesothelioma claims receiving approximately $17,850 (5.1% of $350,000 scheduled value).

'''Babcock & Wilcox''' supplied marine boilers to the U.S. Navy since 1889, equipping over 4,000 military vessels during WWII including all Iowa-class battleships with 8 boilers each.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/babcock-wilcox-company/ Babcock & Wilcox Company], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref> The company was one of the "Big Three" naval boiler manufacturers alongside Combustion Engineering and Foster Wheeler. Workers at [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard|Norfolk]], [[Portsmouth Naval Shipyard|Portsmouth]], [[Philadelphia Naval Shipyard|Philadelphia]], [[Mare Island Naval Shipyard|Mare Island]], [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard|Puget Sound]], and other major shipyards had significant exposure during installation, maintenance, and repair operations.

'''Crane Company''' manufactured high-pressure steam valves with asbestos gaskets and "Cranite" packing material containing long-fiber asbestos. Each Navy ship contained 1,500 to 15,000 Crane valves with gaskets containing up to 90% asbestos.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/crane-company/ Crane Company], Mesothelioma.net</ref> In August 2022, Crane transferred all asbestos liabilities to Redco Corporation in a $633 million transaction, allowing claims to continue against Redco under Spruce Lake management.

'''Garlock Sealing Technologies''' manufactured gaskets and packing containing 75-90% asbestos for submarine and surface vessel applications, including compression packing, valve stem packing, and spiral wound gaskets.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/garlock-sealing-technologies/ Garlock Sealing Technologies], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref> The Garlock Trust uniquely pays 85% for mesothelioma claims—one of the highest payment percentages among major trusts.

'''Foster Wheeler''' supplied boilers and heat exchange equipment to the Navy, with asbestos insulation integral to their products. The company has paid over $700 million in asbestos settlements and continues defending lawsuits through its successor, Wood Group.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/foster-wheeler/ Foster-Wheeler - Asbestos Use, Exposure, Lawsuits], Mesothelioma.net</ref>

'''General Electric and Westinghouse''' supplied turbines and electrical equipment throughout the Navy fleet. GE has settled over 400,000 asbestos claims while continuing to defend litigation. The 2019 Supreme Court decision in ''Air and Liquid Systems v. DeVries'' rejected the "bare metal defense" these manufacturers had long relied upon.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/general-electric/ General Electric - Asbestos Products and Lawsuits], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

{| style="width:95%; margin:1em auto; border-left:4px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px;"
|-
| style="padding:15px 20px 10px; font-style:italic; font-size:1.05em; line-height:1.5;" | "[[Navy Veterans|Navy veterans]] and shipyard workers often have exposure to products from dozens of different manufacturers. We work to identify every potential defendant and trust fund claim to maximize total compensation for our clients and their families."
|-
| style="padding:5px 25px 20px; text-align:right;" | '''— Rod De Llano,''' Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
|}

=== Navy Supplier Compensation Matrix ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Manufacturer !! Products !! Trust Status !! Payment % !! Current Litigation Status
|-
| '''Johns-Manville''' || Insulation, pipe covering, cement || Active Trust || 5.1% || Trust claims only
|-
| '''Babcock & Wilcox''' || Marine boilers || Active Trust || 4.7% || Trust claims only
|-
| '''Crane Company''' || Valves, gaskets, packing || Redco Corporation || N/A || Active litigation (Redco)
|-
| '''Garlock''' || Gaskets, packing || Active Trust || 85% (meso) || Trust claims only
|-
| '''Foster Wheeler''' || Boilers, heat exchangers || No Trust || N/A || '''Active litigation'''<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/foster-wheeler/ Foster Wheeler], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>
|-
| '''General Electric''' || Turbines, electrical equipment || No Trust || N/A || '''Active litigation'''
|-
| '''Westinghouse''' || Turbines, electrical systems || No Trust || N/A || '''Active litigation'''
|-
| '''John Crane''' || Gaskets, packing || No Trust || N/A || '''Active litigation'''<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/john-crane-company/ John Crane Company], Mesothelioma.net</ref>
|-
| '''Buffalo Pumps''' || Marine pumps || No Trust || N/A || '''Active litigation'''
|-
| '''Warren Pumps''' || Marine pumps || No Trust || N/A || '''Active litigation'''
|}

{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #ffc107; border-left:5px solid #ffc107; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; " | '''⚠ Non-Bankrupt Defendants:''' Companies without trust funds (Foster Wheeler, John Crane, GE, Westinghouse, Buffalo Pumps) continue defending individual lawsuits. These defendants may offer higher settlements given the absence of bankruptcy protections, making them priority targets for litigation alongside trust fund claims.
|}

== What Did Manufacturers Know About Asbestos Dangers and When? ==

Corporate knowledge of asbestos health hazards dates back nearly a century, with evidence showing systematic suppression of information while workers continued to be exposed.<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-videos/when-did-asbestos-manufacturers-know-the-truth-they-hid/ When Did Asbestos Manufacturers Know?], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

=== Johns-Manville Corporate Knowledge Timeline ===

'''1929:''' As early as 1929, 11 workers sued Johns-Manville for [[Asbestos Exposure|asbestos exposure]]—the beginning of documented litigation.

'''1933:''' Dr. Anthony J. Lanza, medical director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, reported findings to Johns-Manville revealing that [[Asbestos Exposure|asbestos exposure]] causes lung disease. The company conspired to withhold this information from the public. Johns-Manville's attorney specifically requested that Dr. Lanza downplay the risks of asbestos, and he complied.

'''1933:''' Johns-Manville's Board of Directors paid off 11 asbestosis victims in New Jersey and obtained agreement from the attorney who brought the cases not to file any others.

'''1930s:''' Johns-Manville and Raybestos-Manhattan executives repeatedly prevented the trade magazine ''Asbestos'' from mentioning asbestosis after 1930—a practice that continued until 1969.

'''1940s:''' Company records showed they knew about asbestos dangers in the 1930s and 1940s, despite later claims during World War II shipyard litigation that they didn't know asbestos was dangerous.

'''1970:''' The company created the Asbestos Information Association (AIA) to counteract growing public attention and government regulation of asbestos.

=== Corporate Concealment Across the Industry ===

Similar patterns of knowledge and concealment emerged across the asbestos industry:

'''Pittsburgh Corning''' knew that workers handling Unibestos (90% amosite asbestos) faced extreme exposure risks but continued production from 1962-1972, a decade that coincided with intense industrial development in the United States.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/pittsburgh-corning/ Pittsburgh Corning], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

'''Owens Corning''' concealed asbestos dangers from employees and consumers, as revealed in the landmark ''Barry v. Owens Corning Fiberglass Corporation'' (1992) case. A 1997 verdict awarded $31 million in punitive damages and $1.8 million in compensatory damages after the jury found the company had been aware of asbestos risks for more than three decades.

'''W.R. Grace''' operated vermiculite mines in Libby, Montana contaminated with tremolite asbestos, resulting in the contamination of millions of homes through Zonolite attic insulation. The EPA designated Libby a Superfund site in 2002. The [[WR Grace Trust]] currently pays 30.1-35% of scheduled values.<ref>[https://dandell.com/asbestos-trust-funds/wr-grace-asbestos-trust-payments-lawsuits/ W.R. Grace Asbestos Trust], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

== What Were the Largest Mesothelioma Verdicts Against Asbestos Manufacturers? ==

Recent litigation demonstrates increasing willingness of juries to award substantial damages in mesothelioma cases. The average mesothelioma trial verdict in 2024 was $20.7 million, with average settlements ranging from $1-2 million.<ref>[https://dandell.com/settlements/ Mesothelioma Settlements], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

=== Notable Verdicts by Manufacturer ===

'''John Crane Inc.:'''
* '''$34.2 million''' - Portland, September 2025 (shipyard worker, gasket exposure)
* '''$1,917,400''' - San Francisco, March 2006 (Navy machinist, Style 177 packing)

'''Crane Company:'''
* '''$17 million''' - Coulbourn v. Crane Co. (2016) - Norfolk Naval Shipyard machinist, $9 million compensatory + $8 million punitive damages

'''Owens Corning:'''
* '''$32.8 million''' - 1997 verdict including $31 million punitive damages

'''Multiple Defendants (Shipyard Cases):'''
* '''$40 million''' - William Gaborko ([[Long Beach Naval Shipyard|Long Beach]]/[[Mare Island Naval Shipyard|Mare Island]] Naval Shipyard worker, 2023)
* '''$23 million''' - [[Plumbers and Pipefitters|Steamfitter]] with lifetime shipyard exposure
* '''$11.5 million''' - Navy Machinist Mate ([[Boston Naval Shipyard]])

{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #007bff; border-left:5px solid #007bff; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; " | '''ℹ 2019 Supreme Court Ruling:''' ''Air and Liquid Systems Corp. v. DeVries'' (March 19, 2019) rejected the "bare metal defense" in maritime cases, holding that manufacturers have a duty to warn about dangers of asbestos-containing parts integrated into their equipment, even if they did not manufacture the asbestos parts themselves. This ruling significantly expanded manufacturer liability for Navy veterans and shipyard workers.
|}

== Which Insulation Manufacturers Created the Greatest Exposure Risk? ==

Insulation products created the highest asbestos exposure levels due to their friable nature—the ability to crumble and release respirable fibers during installation, maintenance, and removal. [[Insulation Workers]] and [[Boilermakers]] faced particularly high exposure risks. For a comprehensive list of asbestos-containing products, see the [[Asbestos Products Database]].<ref>[https://mesotheliomaattorney.com/asbestos/products/insulation/ What Does Asbestos Insulation Look Like], MesotheliomaAttorney.com</ref><ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/asbestos-insulation-and-mesothelioma/ Asbestos Insulation and Mesothelioma], Mesothelioma.net</ref>

=== Major Insulation Manufacturers ===

'''Johns-Manville Corporation''' produced Thermobestos pipe covering (80% amosite asbestos), Vulcabestos insulation, and numerous other products that became ubiquitous in industrial facilities, ships, and power plants.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/johns-manville/ Johns Manville], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref> The company's Transite asbestos-cement products were so widespread that "transite" became a generic term for asbestos-cement materials.

'''Pittsburgh Corning''' manufactured Unibestos block insulation containing 90% amosite asbestos, one of the most dangerous asbestos fiber types. The [[Pittsburgh Corning Trust]] has paid over $3.14 billion to asbestos victims since inception and currently pays 19-20% of scheduled values.

'''Owens Corning''' produced Kaylo pipe insulation from 1942-1972, containing 6-8% chrysotile asbestos. The [[Owens Corning Trust|Owens Corning Trust]] has paid approximately 436,800 claims, with the trust currently paying 4.7% of scheduled values ($12,690 typical payout for mesothelioma).

'''Eagle-Picher Industries''' produced Super 66 insulating cement (50-65% asbestos content). The Navy invited Eagle-Picher in 1934 to begin producing for military applications, creating extensive exposure among servicemembers and shipyard workers.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/eaglepicher-industries-inc/ Eagle-Picher Industries], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

'''Celotex Corporation''' (originally Philip Carey Manufacturing Company) manufactured thermal insulation products from 1906 to 1973 and uniquely operated asbestos mines in Canada, controlling the entire supply chain. The trust currently pays 7% of scheduled values.

'''H.K. Porter Company''' manufactured Thermotex and other insulation products. The trust pays approximately 3% of scheduled values.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/h-k-porter-inc/ H.K. Porter, Inc.], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

== Which Gasket and Packing Manufacturers Supplied Asbestos Products? ==

Gaskets and packing materials contained 10-85% asbestos, creating exposure during routine maintenance operations in virtually every industrial setting. [[Plumbers and Pipefitters]], [[Marine Engineering Workers]], and other trades handling these materials faced significant exposure.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/asbestos-gaskets-and-mesothelioma/ Asbestos Gaskets and Mesothelioma], Mesothelioma.net</ref>

'''John Crane Inc.''' dominated the gasket and packing market with Style 177 packing containing 80% chrysotile asbestos. Their products sealed pumps and valves in power plants, refineries, and ships, with mechanics cutting and installing packing daily. A $34.2 million verdict in Portland (September 2025) against John Crane demonstrates ongoing litigation exposure.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/john-crane-company/ John Crane Company], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

'''Garlock Sealing Technologies''' manufactured compressed asbestos sheet gaskets containing up to 85% asbestos, used in flanged connections throughout industrial piping systems.<ref>[https://mesotheliomaattorney.com/asbestos/products/ Asbestos Products - Common Materials That Contain Asbestos], MesotheliomaAttorney.com</ref> The Garlock Trust uniquely pays 85% for mesothelioma claims—substantially higher than most trusts.

'''A.W. Chesterton''' supplied packing and sealing products to the Navy and industrial facilities. The company continues defending active litigation without a bankruptcy trust.

'''Flexitallic''' manufactured high-pressure gaskets for industrial applications and remains an active litigation defendant.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/flexitallic/ Flexitallic], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

== What Products Did Boiler Manufacturers Make That Contained Asbestos? ==

Boiler manufacturers were essential suppliers to the Navy and power generation industry, with their equipment requiring extensive asbestos insulation. [[Boilermakers]] and [[Power Plant Workers]] faced significant exposure from these products.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/asbestos-exposure-boiler-workers/ Asbestos Exposure in Boiler Workers], Mesothelioma.net</ref>

'''Babcock & Wilcox''' supplied marine boilers to the Navy beginning in 1889, equipping Iowa-class battleships and thousands of other vessels. The company's trust has paid approximately $1.94 billion to 403,000 claimants, with current payment percentage at 4.7%.

'''Combustion Engineering''' manufactured boilers, pressure vessels, and power plant equipment. The trust recently increased its payment percentage from 5.0% to 6.25% (July 2025), one of the few upward adjustments in recent years.

'''Foster Wheeler''' supplied boilers and heat exchange equipment with integral asbestos insulation. The company has paid over $700 million in asbestos settlements and continues defending active litigation through successor Wood Group.<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/manufacturers/foster-wheeler/ Foster Wheeler], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref>

== How Do Payment Percentages Change Over Time? ==

Trust fund payment percentages are not static—they adjust based on actuarial analyses of remaining assets versus projected future claims. Recent trends show both increases and decreases:<ref>[https://dandell.com/asbestos-trust-funds/asbestos-trust-funds-support-families/ How Asbestos Trust Funds Support Victims' Families], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

=== 2024-2025 Trust Fund Adjustments ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Trust !! Previous % !! New % !! Change !! Effective Date
|-
| '''Combustion Engineering''' || 5.0% || 6.25% || '''↑ +25%''' || July 2025
|-
| '''Plant Insulation''' || 16.5% || 20% || '''↑ +21%''' || May 2024
|-
| '''Shook & Fletcher''' || 50% || 58% || '''↑ +16%''' || May 2025
|-
| '''USG''' || 12.7% || 11% || ↓ -13% || November 2024
|-
| '''Armstrong World''' || 13.5% || 10.8% || ↓ -20% || 2025
|-
| '''AC&S''' || 4.9% || 3.2% || ↓ -35% || September 2024
|}

{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #ffc107; border-left:5px solid #ffc107; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; " | '''⚠ Document Destruction Controversy:''' In early 2025, multiple trusts including W.R. Grace, Babcock & Wilcox, Pittsburgh Corning, and Owens Corning announced plans to destroy claim records over 10 years old. Despite objections from state Attorneys General, destruction proceeded for some trusts beginning April 2025. This may impact future fraud prevention and litigation.
|}

== How Can Mesothelioma Victims File Claims Against Multiple Manufacturers? ==

Most mesothelioma victims qualify for claims against multiple manufacturers based on their exposure history.<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-compensation/filing-mesothelioma-claims-guide/ How to File Mesothelioma Claims: A Step-by-Step Guide], Danziger & De Llano</ref> A comprehensive compensation strategy typically includes:

'''1. Trust Fund Claims:''' File claims with all applicable bankruptcy trusts based on documented exposure to each manufacturer's products. Most claimants qualify for 5-20+ trust fund claims.<ref>[https://mesotheliomaattorney.com/mesothelioma/compensation/ Mesothelioma Compensation Guide], MesotheliomaAttorney.com</ref>

'''2. Lawsuits Against Non-Bankrupt Defendants:''' Companies without trust funds (Foster Wheeler, John Crane, GE, Westinghouse, Buffalo Pumps) face active litigation and may offer higher settlements.

'''3. VA Benefits:''' Navy veterans and shipyard workers may qualify for [[Veterans Benefits|VA disability compensation]] in addition to civil claims.<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/va-mesothelioma-claims/ Mesothelioma VA Claim: Veteran Asbestos Compensation], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

=== Documentation Essential for Multiple Claims ===

'''Service and Employment Records:'''
* DD-214 (discharge papers) for military service
* Ship assignments and dates
* Rate/rating and duties performed
* Shipyard work orders (for civilian workers)
* Employment records from all relevant employers

'''Product Identification Evidence:'''
* Ship's plans and specifications
* Maintenance logs
* Fellow worker testimony
* Navy technical manuals
* Ship histories documenting equipment manufacturers

'''Medical Documentation:'''
* Pathology reports confirming mesothelioma diagnosis
* Chest X-rays and CT scans
* Pulmonary function tests
* Oncology treatment records

{| style="width:95%; margin:1em auto; border-left:4px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px;"
|-
| style="padding:15px 20px 10px; font-style:italic; font-size:1.05em; line-height:1.5;" | "Reconstructing decades-old exposure history is one of the most important aspects of building a strong case. We work with industrial hygienists, former coworkers, and historical records to identify every manufacturer whose products our clients encountered during their careers."
|-
| style="padding:5px 25px 20px; text-align:right;" | '''— Paul Danziger,''' Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
|}

== Get Help Today ==

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos products, you may be entitled to compensation from multiple manufacturers through trust fund claims and litigation.<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-lawyers/ Top-Rated Mesothelioma Lawyers], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

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{{Statute Warning}}

== See Also ==
* [[Johns-Manville Corporate History|Johns-Manville Corporate History]]
* [[Asbestos in Consumer Products|Asbestos in Consumer Products]]

* [[Asbestos Trust Funds]]
* [[Navy Ships Asbestos Database]]
* [[Navy Occupational Ratings]]
* [[Veterans Benefits]]
* [[Insulation Workers]]
* [[Boilermakers]]
* [[Plumbers and Pipefitters]]
* [[Power Plant Workers]]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Asbestos Manufacturers]]
[[Category:Trust Funds]]
[[Category:Mesothelioma Compensation]]
[[Category:Corporate History]]
[[Category:Navy Asbestos Exposure]]