EaglePicher Industries Inc.

EaglePicher Industries Inc., known today as EaglePicher Technologies, LLC, is a battery, electronics, and energetic devices manufacturer. The company faced thousands of asbestos-related lawsuits after using the harmful material in its products. The lawsuits eventually forced the company to file for bankruptcy. 

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.

EaglePicher Industries Inc. History

Eagle Picher was formed in 1916 after a merger between a mining company formed by owner Oliver Picher and Eagle White Lead.

EaglePicher Industries Inc. started out as a manufacturer of storage batteries. The company mined zinc and diatomaceous in order to make the batteries, which became useful to the U.S. military during World War II. Its distribution of the batteries throughout the war made EaglePicher a popular company that quickly expanded.

EaglePicher added more products to its line during its expansion and began manufacturing them with asbestos.

The military was still a leading customer when asbestos-containing products were created, leading to many military servicemen and servicewomen developing mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases.

EaglePicher continued to use asbestos until around 1975. Along with the military’s constant exposure to asbestos, manufacturers and installation workers also faced constant risks.

A string of asbestos-related claims and lawsuits filed against EaglePicher followed.

EaglePicher Industries Inc. Lawsuits and Bankruptcy

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, asbestos-related claims began mounting against EaglePicher. The company battled these claims and lawsuits for years.

In 1982, Tom Petry, President of EaglePicher, created a reserve fund specifically for those affected by the company’s asbestos-containing products.

This lasted until 1990, when U.S. District Judge Jack B. Weinstein put a stop of asbestos claims and ordered EaglePicher to pay $45 million to all pending cases.

In 1991, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Part of the agreement of bankruptcy included the company creating a reorganization plan in which an asbestos trust fund would be set up.

EaglePicher funded the asbestos trust fund with 10 million shares of its stock, tax refund notes, and $387 million cash. The year it filed for bankruptcy, the company faced more than $2.5 billion in asbestos-related claims.

In 2005, EaglePicher once again filed for bankruptcy after the company accumulated too much debt, equaling around $500 million. It took until 2009 for the company to fully exit Chapter 11 reorganization.

Industries and Occupations Affected by EaglePicher Industries Inc.

Numerous types of workers came into contact with asbestos via EaglePicher products. Workers exposed to EaglePicher asbestos were employed in different occupations across several industries, and included:

• Insulators
• Drywall installers
• Bricklayers
• Mechanics
• Shipbuilders
• Shipyard workers
• Navy crew members
• Construction workers

Asbestos-Containing Products Made by EaglePicher

EaglePicher insulation was the main product that contained asbestos. Although asbestos was not the primary ingredient in the company’s insulation, it was mixed in, and in excessive amounts.

The cement that the company manufactured also contained asbestos. In fact, three brand names of cement contained asbestos, including One Cote, Hylo, and Super 66.

EaglePicher Industries Inc. Today

EaglePicher remains in operations today but has eliminated asbestos from its products.

Currently, the company focuses on numerous types of batteries, battery cells, electronics, and energetic devices such as igniters, pyrotechnic switches, gas generators, and cutters. EaglePicher is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan.

You can work with a mesothelioma lawyer to take legal action and seek compensation if you were exposed to asbestos through EaglePicher.

Additional Resources and Legal Information for Asbestos Victims

If you’ve been injured by asbestos, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.