Asbestos Manufacturers

Asbestos Manufacturers
	Corporate Liability & Compensation Database
Active Trust Funds	See the trust tracker for the current count
Total Trust Assets	$16.03 Billion floor (Sep 2026 snapshot)
Claims Paid	4+ million
Peak Asbestos Use	1930-1980
First Bankruptcy	Johns-Manville (1982)
Phone	(855) 699-5441
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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.^[2] More than 60 companies have established bankruptcy trust funds, which hold $16.03 billion to $21.76 billion (documented floor to full-system estimate; snapshot September 2026; underlying figures FY2021–2026) in remaining assets^[1], with payment percentages ranging from 0.84% (Keene Corporation) to 100% (NARCO).^[3] 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.^[4] Understanding each manufacturer's bankruptcy status, trust fund operations, and litigation history is essential for mesothelioma victims seeking maximum compensation through both trust fund claims and lawsuits against non-bankrupt defendants.

At a Glance

Asbestos manufacturer trust funds and litigation at a glance:

Documented remaining trust assets — active asbestos bankruptcy trusts hold $16.03 billion to $21.76 billion (documented floor to full-system estimate; snapshot September 2026; underlying figures FY2021–2026) in remaining assets designated for mesothelioma compensation^[1]
Johns-Manville paved the way — the first major asbestos bankruptcy (1982) has since paid $5.09 billion to 970,291 claimants^[5]
Payment percentages span 0.84% to 100% — Keene Corporation pays the lowest rate among major trusts, NARCO the highest at 100% of scheduled value^[6]
Corporate knowledge dates to 1929-1933 — internal documents show manufacturers knew of asbestos health dangers decades before warning workers^[7]
Navy suppliers drove shipyard exposure — Johns-Manville, Babcock & Wilcox, Garlock, Crane, and Foster Wheeler supplied most Naval vessels through the mid-20th century
Most victims qualify for 5-20+ claims — mesothelioma patients typically encountered products from multiple manufacturers over a career, qualifying for multiple simultaneous trust fund claims
DeVries expanded liability in 2019 — Air and Liquid Systems v. DeVries extended manufacturer duty-to-warn liability for equipment integrating asbestos parts, benefiting Navy veterans^[8]
Non-bankrupt defendants remain in active litigation — Buffalo Pumps, Foster Wheeler, John Crane, General Electric, and Westinghouse continue defending individual lawsuits outside the trust system

Key Facts

Key Facts: Asbestos Manufacturers
Active Trust Funds: Bankruptcy trusts currently accepting mesothelioma claims^[9] Documented Remaining Trust Assets: $16.03 billion to $21.76 billion (documented floor to full-system estimate, September 2026)^[1] across active asbestos trust funds Johns-Manville Trust: First major asbestos bankruptcy (1982), has paid $5.09 billion to 970,291 claimants^[10] Highest Payment Percentage: NARCO Trust pays 100% of scheduled values 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^[11] 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.^[12] Johns-Manville's 1982 bankruptcy established the template that over 60 companies would eventually follow, collectively setting aside billions of dollars 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.^[13] Understanding each company's bankruptcy status and trust operations is essential for maximizing compensation opportunities for mesothelioma victims.^[14]

"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."

— 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.^[15]

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%+)

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%	$180,000	$54,180	$4.5+ billion^[16]^[17]
Owens-Illinois/Paddock Enterprises	65%	Varies (65% of scheduled/gross settlement value)	Varies	$610 million (funded 2022)^[18]^[19]^[20]
Eagle-Picher Industries	33-35%	Varies	$49,500-52,500	$2.7+ billion^[21]
Shook & Fletcher	58%	$150,000	$87,000	$1.1+ billion^[22]

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

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)^[23]
Combustion Engineering	6.25% (increased 2025)	Varies	Varies	Navy boilers, power plant equipment^[24]
USG Corporation	10%^[25]	$155,000	~$15,500	Sheetrock, joint compounds
Armstrong World Industries	7.8% (proposed; paid from October 5, 2026 pending TAC/FCR consent)^[26]	$110,000	$8,580	Flooring, ceiling tiles^[27]
Kaiser Aluminum	10.6%	$78,000	$8,268	Insulation, refractory products^[28]

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

Trust Name	Payment %	Mesothelioma Scheduled Value	Typical Payout	Claims Paid
Johns-Manville	5.6%^[29]	$350,000	$19,600	970,291^[30]
Owens Corning	4.3%	$215,000	$9,245	436,800+^[31]
Babcock & Wilcox	4.3%	$90,000-150,000	$3,870-6,450	403,000+^[32]^[33]
APG Asbestos Trust	6.0%	Varies	Varies	N/A^[34]
Celotex	7%	$130,000	$9,100	145,000+^[35]
Garlock (Mesothelioma)	None — no pro rata	$298,200 (Contact Group 1 maximum)	Group maximum × IP Factors Index	N/A^[36]

✔ 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.^[37] 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.^[38] The Johns Manville Trust now pays 5.6% of scheduled values, with mesothelioma claims receiving approximately $19,600 (5.6% 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.^[39] The company was one of the "Big Three" naval boiler manufacturers alongside Combustion Engineering and Foster Wheeler. Workers at Norfolk, Portsmouth, Philadelphia, Mare Island, 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.^[40] 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.^[41] The Garlock (GST) Trust pays mesothelioma claims under the Coltec/GST Claims Resolution Procedures, which set a Maximum Settlement Value by occupational Contact Group — $298,200 (Contact Group 1); $89,500 (Group 2); $37,300 (Groups 3–5) — multiplied by an IP Factors Index rather than a pro rata payment percentage.^[36]

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.^[42]

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.^[43]

"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."

— Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

Navy Supplier Compensation Matrix

Manufacturer	Products	Trust Status	Payment %	Current Litigation Status
Johns-Manville	Insulation, pipe covering, cement	Active Trust	5.6%^[29]	Trust claims only
Babcock & Wilcox	Marine boilers	Active Trust	4.3%	Trust claims only
Crane Company	Valves, gaskets, packing	Redco Corporation	N/A	Active litigation (Redco)
Garlock	Gaskets, packing	Active Trust	None — no pro rata^[36]	Trust claims only
Foster Wheeler	Boilers, heat exchangers	No Trust	N/A	Active litigation^[44]
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^[45]
Buffalo Pumps	Marine pumps	No Trust	N/A	Active litigation
Warren Pumps	Marine pumps	No Trust	N/A	Active litigation

⚠ 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.^[46]

Johns-Manville Corporate Knowledge Timeline

1929: As early as 1929, 11 workers sued Johns-Manville for 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 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.^[47]

Owens Corning concealed asbestos dangers from employees and consumers. In Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp. v. Ballard, a bifurcated jury trial held in January 1997 found the company negligent and strictly liable for selling its asbestos-containing Kaylo insulation, awarding $1.8 million in compensatory damages and $31 million in punitive damages; the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the award on August 26, 1999.^[48]

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% of scheduled values.^[49]

What Were the Largest Mesothelioma Verdicts Against Asbestos Manufacturers?

Recent litigation demonstrates increasing willingness of juries to award substantial damages in mesothelioma cases. Average settlements range from $1-2 million.^[50]

Notable Verdicts by Manufacturer

Crane Company:

$6.8 million - Coulbourn v. Crane Co., No. 16-16925 (9th Cir. Mar. 29, 2018) - Navy machinist exposed 1959-1966; the jury awarded $9 million in total compensatory damages, of which Crane bore 20%, or $1.8 million, plus $5 million in punitive damages against Crane^[51]

Owens Corning:

$32.8 million - Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp. v. Ballard, 749 So. 2d 483 (Fla. 1999) - January 1997 verdict of $1.8 million compensatory and $31 million punitive damages, affirmed by the Florida Supreme Court on August 26, 1999^[52]

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.^[53]^[54]

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.^[55] 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 has paid approximately 436,800 claims, with the trust currently paying 4.3% of scheduled values, reduced from 4.7% effective June 30, 2026 ($9,245 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.^[56]

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.^[57]

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.^[58]

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.^[59]

Garlock Sealing Technologies manufactured compressed asbestos sheet gaskets containing up to 85% asbestos, used in flanged connections throughout industrial piping systems.^[60] The CRP's 85% figure is the Trust Claims Payment Ratio, which allocates Trust payments across disease categories (85% malignant mesothelioma, 10% lung cancer, 5% other cancers and severe asbestosis) and is not a per-claim payment rate.^[36]

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.^[61]

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.^[62]

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 4.3% (reduced from 4.7% effective June 30, 2026).

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.^[63]

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:^[64]

2024-2025 Trust Fund Adjustments

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	11%	10%	↓ -9%	June 2026^[25]
Armstrong World	13.5%	10.8%	↓ -20%	2025
AC&S	4.9%	3.2%	↓ -35%	September 2024
AC&S	3.2%	2.89%	↓ -10%	May 2026^[65]

⚠ 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.^[66] 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.^[67]

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 VA disability compensation in addition to civil claims.^[68]

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

"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."