Foseco once made asbestos foundry products for industrial worksites like steel mills. Many workers were exposed to asbestos through Foseco products and became sick as a result. Foseco faced numerous asbestos lawsuits.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for those who are victims of asbestos-related diseases. 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.
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Did Foseco Use Asbestos?
Foseco manufactured foundry products with asbestos for decades. These asbestos products went to numerous industrial worksites involving high temperatures, like steel mills. Asbestos is an effective insulator and fireproofing material, so it was long prized for these types of products.
Foseco History
Founded in 1932 by Eric Weiss, Fosesco began as a small company in Birmingham, Alabama. However, it didn’t take long for the business to gain customers and expand. The name stands for Foundry Services Company.
Foseco created innovative foundry products, like FEEDEX powder, to reduce cleaning expenses. It also published the Foundryman’s Handbook in 1946.
As the company grew, so did its products. Foseco added many products to its line, including:
- Insulating feeding systems
- Binders
- Electrostatic coatings
- Direct pour technologies
- Exothermic feeding systems
- Iron and steel
- Silica
- Industrial processes
- Aluminum products
- Glass products
- Cement products
In 1960, Foseco developed and introduced exothermic sleeves. These reduced the amount of metal needed for foundry work.
Foseco became a subsidiary of Vesuvius in 2008. Vesuvius was founded in 1916 in Pittsburgh. It made crucibles for foundries.
Both Vesuvius and Foseco used asbestos in many of their products for many years. Neither filed for bankruptcy, although they have faced numerous lawsuits over asbestos exposure and illness.
Foseco Products That Contained Asbestos
Since Foseco was (and currently remains) in the foundry industry, it used refractory products that contained asbestos. Refractory products are designed to withstand very high temperatures. Asbestos was used for its insulation properties and its resistance to heat and fire.
The following Foseco products have been confirmed to contain asbestos:
- Asbestos boards and compounds
- Die castings
- Exothermic riser sleeves (Kalminex)
- Furnace linings
- Hot Top Insulation
- Molding sand
- Permanent mold coatings
- Hot Top metal devices
- Core coatings
- Ladle lining and liners
Workers Exposed to Asbestos From Foseco Products
Although foundry workers were the most affected by Foseco’s asbestos-containing products, many other workers in different occupations were also afflicted.
Over the course of 15 years, Foseco used tremendous amounts of asbestos in its products, which directly affected many workers in the following occupations:
- Metal workers
- Steel mill workers
- Boiler workers
Metal workers and foundry workers are more likely to develop asbestos illnesses because of exposure. They Were at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers released into the air.
Did Foseco Know About the Dangers of Asbestos?
In 1976, Foseco discontinued the use of asbestos in all of its products. Yet, in just one factory alone, reports indicate that the company used at least 18 million pounds of asbestos over the years.
The company defended its actions when representatives stated that they were unaware of the dangers of asbestos.
However, a report sent to Foseco indicated that company officials were made aware of the hazards of asbestos dust to human health. Yet, the company ignored the warnings and dangers and continued to place employees and contractors at risk daily.
Foseco faced many asbestos-related lawsuits as people began developing life-threatening illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.
Foseco Lawsuits
Because Foseco knowingly exposed workers to harmful asbestos, it has faced numerous lawsuits over exposure and illness.
In addition, two Foseco subsidiaries, Foseco Minsep, Inc. and Foseco Canada, Ltd., were also named in numerous lawsuits after they used asbestos in their products.
In one courtroom alone (the Ohio Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court), Foseco faced more than 5,000 asbestos-related claims and lawsuits.
At least eight former employees of the Foseco Cleveland, Ohio plant died from malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. The company paid over $13 million to the former workers’ surviving families.
Another lawsuit that named Foseco, as well as other companies, resulted in a $40 million jury award. Secundino Medina was an assembly line factory worker and a security guard at a General Motors Facility in California from the 1950s to the 1980s. He died from mesothelioma.
Even with the substantial amount of asbestos-related lawsuits that the company faced, Foseco never filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, unlike most companies that manufactured asbestos-related products on large scales.
Foseco Today
Foseco remains in business today as a developer and manufacturer for the foundry industry, under the Foundry Technologies Division of the Vesuvius Group plc.
The company no longer uses asbestos in its products and focuses on environmentally-friendly work and promoting health and safety to its employees. Its headquarters is in Cleveland, Ohio.
How To Seek Compensation for Foseco Asbestos Exposure
Contact a mesothelioma lawyer if you or your loved ones were affected by Foseco asbestos materials. A lawyer can explain your rights and help you seek compensation.
If you have an asbestos illness, you were likely exposed through more than one company. A lawyer can review your work history to identify all the asbestos companies liable for damages in your case.
You could be eligible for claims with asbestos trust funds or lawsuits against companies like Foseco and Vesuvius.
Additional Resources 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. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
