Harbison-Walker Refractories Co.

The Harbison-Walker Refractories Company, officially HarbisonWalker International, is one of the world’s largest suppliers of refractory materials. The company heavily relied on asbestos in many of its products in the past. Harbison-Walker later faced many asbestos claims and lawsuits.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for 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. 

Harbison-Walker History

Established in 1865, the Star Fire Brick Company manufactured and distributed industrial products to withstand high temperatures.

The company changed its name to Harbison-Walker ten years later but continued to manufacture fireproof bricks, refractory cement, and castables.

During the 1960s, Harbison-Walker merged with a similar company, Dresser Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of the corporation Halliburton.

Although the decision to merge seemed to be a power move for the company, it came with strings attached: numerous asbestos-related claims. Legal costs ended up costing the company much more than anticipated.

Harbison-Walker Lawsuits and Bankruptcy

More than 200,000 pending claims awaited Harbison-Walker during the early 2000s. Over half of these claims were based on a 1992 indemnification agreement with its merger with Dresser.

Harbison-Walker filed for bankruptcy in 2002, but before filing, it established the DII Industries, LLC Asbestos PI Trust.

Most companies file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection before setting up an asbestos trust fund. Still, Harbison-Walker made a deal with its insurance underwriters to settle current asbestos claims for 100 pennies on the dollar.

The asbestos trust was funded with $4 billion, with over $570 million of the amount coming from Harbison-Walker’s insurance underwriters, London Underwriters. Insurance reserves and company stocks funded the remaining amount.

Five Victims Win $40 Million Against Harbison-Walker

Harbison-Walker faced a lawsuit in 2001, just one year before filing for bankruptcy, in which they lost $40 million to five victims of asbestos-related diseases.

Along with Harbison-Walker, several other companies were found guilty of contributing to the victims’ diseases, including Armstrong Contracting and Supply Company and A.P. Green Industries.

The only way Harbison-Walker could financially survive the lawsuit was to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It also reorganized and set up another asbestos trust fund to handle any future claims.

Occupations Affected by Harbison-Walker

People who worked in the construction industry were most affected by Harbison-Walker’s asbestos use.

The company mixed asbestos into cement, ropes, brick, and other construction materials. In addition, those who manufactured the company’s products were at risk each time they went to work.

Brand Names of Asbestos-Containing Materials

Harbison-Walker used several brand names for its asbestos-containing materials, including the following:

• Asbestos Rope
• Castables
• Chromepak G
• H-W Lightweight Castable #10
• Metalkase Firebrick
• Micracrete Refractory Cement

The BP Oil Spill

Halliburton, the parent company of Harbison-Walker, had a big part in the Deepwater Horizon oil rig fire, which exploded on April 20, 2010, killing 11 workers and spilling massive amounts of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

Halliburton played a part because the company provided cementing services on the oil rig. As a result, in Sept. 2011, a federal report indicated that Halliburton was at least partially responsible for the oil spill.

Halliburton was made to pay some of the costs of the $40 billion cleanup efforts.

“BP is required to indemnify Halliburton for third-party compensatory claims that arise from pollution or contamination that did not originate from the property or equipment of Halliburton located above the surface of the land or water, even if Halliburton’s gross negligence caused the pollution.”

Judge Barbier of the United States District Court in New Orleans.

Harbison-Walker Today

Harbison-Walker is still in business today and operates under the name HarbisonWalker International. The company no longer uses asbestos in any of its products.

If you used and were harmed by Harbison-Walker products, contact an asbestos law firm to find out how to seek compensation.

Additional Resources and Legal Help 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.