Orange Shipbuilding Company

Orange Shipbuilding Company, now known as Conrad Industries, was established years after peak asbestos use in shipyards. It still used asbestos in towboat engine rooms and other facilities, placing workers at direct risk of developing life-threatening illnesses.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. 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. 

History of Orange Shipbuilding Company

Tommy Clary founded orange Shipbuilding Company in 1974 in Orange, Texas. Clary developed the company on 12 acres, situated less than an hour away from the Gulf of Mexico.

The shipbuilding company started out repairing towboats and tugboats and in some instances, passenger boats. As the business expanded, numerous construction bays were constructed for several ships to be repaired simultaneously.

With the development of the new construction bays, hundreds of workers were hired to fill the demand of getting the boats repaired and upgraded as soon as possible.

During the 1990s, Orange Shipbuilding expanded again and began shipping open lighters and tank barges to the U.S. Navy.

In addition, the company began constructing towboats for the Corps of Engineers, which eventually led to Conrad Industries purchasing the shipping company in 1997.

Orange Shipbuilding and Asbestos Use

Since Orange Shipbuilding got a late start, it wasn’t around when most other shipyards in the nation were using large amounts of asbestos.

However, between the mid-1970s until around the mid-1980s, the company used asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in its towboat engine rooms.

Further, the facilities were already stocked with ACMs from previous use and were not removed or abated before hundreds of employees and contractors working at the shipyard.

The majority of these workers failed to use proper safety gear, even though the company was well aware of the dangers of asbestos by that time.

Although the use of asbestos at Orange Shipbuilding wasn’t as extensive as some of the older and larger shipyards, workers were still at risk each day they went to work, especially those working in the engine rooms.

Asbestos Symptoms to Watch Out For

Since asbestos-related diseases can have a dormancy period of up to 50 years, there is a chance that those who once worked at Orange Shipbuilding could still be diagnosed.

If you or a loved one worked at the shipyard, it’s important to seek routine medical care as soon as possible.

Asbestos-related symptoms mimic common ailments such as the cold or the flu. Chest congestion, fatigue, coughing, and fever are often some of the first signs of mesothelioma.

The sooner it’s diagnosed, and treatment begins, the better the chances of a longer survival rate.

Orange Shipbuilding Today

Orange Shipbuilding remains under Conrad Industries today. The company continues to build tugboats, as well as ferries and deck barges. It also repairs and overhauls numerous types of vessels, including cargo ships, container ships, marine craft, fishing vessels, trawlers, tankers, and more. The company no longer uses asbestos in any of its products.

If Orange Shipbuilding’s past use of asbestos harmed you or your family, you have legal rights. Contact an asbestos attorney for guidance.

Helpful Information 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 asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.