Cleaver-Brooks Company Asbestos History

In the annals of industrial history, Cleaver-Brooks Company holds a significant place, marked by its use of asbestos in boilers and related components. Founded in 1929 as the John Cleaver Company, it underwent a transformation to become Cleaver-Brooks Company. This evolution brought asbestos into the spotlight, known for its heat resistance, durability, and strength, within the company’s products.

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• Origin and Growth: In 1929, John Cleaver embarked on a venture, initially focusing on boilers. The pivotal moment came in 1931 when he joined forces with Raymond Brooks, giving birth to Cleaver-Brooks Company. Its inception was in Illinois, but it soon relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the same year.
• Incorporating Asbestos: Cleaver-Brooks boilers, designed for high-temperature environments, featured asbestos as a core element, ensuring their heat resistance and longevity. Additionally, the company ventured into crafting asbestos-infused replacement parts for its products.
• Supporting the War Effort: During World War II, Cleaver-Brooks shifted gears to support the war effort. The production line diversified to include vital items such as floating cargo carriers, portable washing machines, showers, and sterilizers. Interestingly, these products shared manufacturing facilities with asbestos-containing boilers, potentially exposing military personnel to asbestos fibers.
• Continuous Expansion: The company’s upward trajectory persisted through the 1940s and 1950s, culminating in the relocation of its primary manufacturing plant to Pennsylvania in 1957. Cleaver-Brooks set itself apart by crafting larger boilers featuring asbestos fibers.
• Transitioning Away from Asbestos: Historical records indicate that Cleaver-Brooks phased out asbestos from its products in the early 1980s, coinciding with its initial entanglement in asbestos-related lawsuits. Despite the transition, the company remains entangled in legal matters linked to its past asbestos use.

Cleaver-Brooks Company stands today as a thriving enterprise, employing hundreds globally, while also navigating the legal complexities arising from its historical use of asbestos.

Asbestos Products, Occupational Exposure, and Legal Battles

1. Asbestos-Infused Products: Cleaver-Brooks Company embraced asbestos in its offerings from the 1930s to the early 1980s. This encompassed various products, bolstered with asbestos to bolster their heat resistance, fire resistance, durability, and robustness. These included asbestos cement, boilers, gaskets, insulation, and rope.

2. Occupational Exposure: Individuals employed at Cleaver-Brooks between 1930 and 1980, especially those engaged in manufacturing, installation, or maintenance of boilers, potentially encountered asbestos in their work environment. The disturbance of asbestos-laden components during these activities could result in the release of minute asbestos fibers, subsequently contributing to asbestos-related ailments like mesothelioma.

According to the Cleaver-Brooks website, in 1941, During World War II, substantial requests were placed by the Marines, Army, and Navy for the assembly of materials. The company’s growth and relocation added to the asbestos exposure risk. While Cleaver-Brooks ceased asbestos use in the early 1980s, it continues to face legal challenges. Occupations impacted by asbestos exposure include boilermakers and construction workers.

Legal Actions and Asbestos Litigation

Since the 1980s, Cleaver-Brooks has grappled with a series of asbestos-related lawsuits, stemming from potential asbestos exposure due to its historical practices. These legal battles have seen various outcomes, including both courtroom trials and extrajudicial settlements. For instance, a 2014 case featured a verdict favoring the spouse of a deceased boiler worker, illuminating the potential liabilities tied to asbestos exposure from Cleaver-Brooks products.

For those impacted by asbestos exposure linked to Cleaver-Brooks, seeking legal counsel and medical advice is paramount. Understanding the historical context of asbestos use and its ramifications forms the foundation for informed decisions.

Explore our comprehensive educational resources to gain deeper insights into this topic. Knowledge is pivotal, especially concerning matters related to asbestos exposure and its consequences. Should you have queries or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can navigate the intricate terrain surrounding asbestos exposure and its implications.

If you or a loved one has encountered asbestos-related concerns, we extend our support. Our adept professionals are here to guide, inform, and provide assistance, empowering you to make well-informed choices regarding both your health and legal options. Embark on a consultation today to unearth more about transformative procedures designed to address asbestos-related issues. Your well-being remains our paramount concern.