Consolidated Steel Corporation

Consolidated Steel Corporation’s shipyards relied heavily on asbestos for many years. The use of asbestos in shipbuilding and repair put workers at risk of exposure. Many later received diagnoses of mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, 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.

Consolidated Steel Corporation History

Consolidated Steel Corporation began in 1929 after a merger between Baker Iron Works, Llewellyn Iron Works, and Union Iron Works. The corporation began its operation in Long Beach, California.

By 1941, a new shipyard was built in Wilmington, California. The United States Maritime Commission (USMC) funded the construction of the shipyard on a $13 million contract.

The shipyard then hired over 12,000 workers, including maintenance workers, pipefitters, boilermakers, steelworkers, and more.

In 1943, Consolidated Steel Corporation bought Ackerman Boat Works in Newport Beach, California.

During World War II, the shipyard constructed 47-foot MTLs, as well as 96-foot TPs, for the United States Army.

In addition to the Wilmington shipyard, Consolidated Steel Corporation opened its fabrication plant in 1941 in Orange, Texas. A year after its opening, it started building vessels.

From 1942 until 1945, Orange shipyard workers built various vessels, including several different types of destroyers. The Orange, Texas shipyard employed around 20,000 workers as production needs at the business increased.

The shipyard closed in 1945, but throughout 1941 until its closing, workers were continuously exposed to asbestos. After the war, in 1947, Consolidated Steel Corporation sold the shipyard back to Ackerman.

Asbestos at Consolidated Steel

Asbestos exposure is now known to cause life-threatening diseases, such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) didn’t place regulations on its use until the 1970s, many manufacturers knew of the risks several decades earlier.

Wilmington Shipyard

Insulation was the primary product that caused asbestos exposure at the shipyard. It was used in the construction of the shipyard, including pipes, walls, and more.

Numerous workers at the Wilmington location began to develop mild symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses, but they continued to work since the symptoms mimicked common ailments.

The Port of Los Angeles container terminal (TraPac) is now located where the Wilmington shipyard used to be.

Orange Shipyard

As with the Wilmington, California shipyard, asbestos was heavily used throughout the Orange, Texas shipyard.

Asbestos-containing insulation was used in flooring, pipes, bulkhead blankets, pipes, walls, and more. The majority of the shipyard workers faced asbestos exposure each day they went to work.

Johns Manville, an asbestos manufacturer that faced thousands of mesothelioma lawsuits, was one of the primary asbestos suppliers to the Orange shipyard. 

Numerous workers at the Orange shipyard filed their own claims against Johns Manville after developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

Johns Manville denied liability against the Orange shipyard workers and stated that they were unaware that asbestos was dangerous.

A representative for Johns Manville cited scientific data that indicated that there was not enough information to show asbestos was indeed harmful.

Regardless, Johns Manville lost so many asbestos-related lawsuits that it eventually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and created an asbestos trust fund to handle all pending and future claims.

When the war ended, the Orange shipyard reverted to fabrication. The United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) eventually acquired it.

If you worked in any of these facilities, talk to your doctor about asbestos exposure. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer to learn about your compensation and legal options.

Additional Help and Resources for Asbestos Victims

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, 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 experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.