Flintkote Company Asbestos Exposure
Flintkote, originating in 1901 in Massachusetts, quickly gained prominence with its roofing materials, particularly its asphalt shingles. Their early success in the local market led to an expansion across Europe during the 1920s.
Incorporation of Asbestos in Products
In the 1930s, Flintkote began to use asbestos, a material commonly used at the time for enhancing product strength, durability, and fire resistance. This inclusion was not limited to shingles but extended to their siding and cement products as well.
Expansion and Diversification Era
According to the Baker Library at Harvard Business School, In 1956, Flintkote initiated a program aimed at expansion and diversification, which subsequently led to a sequence of acquisitions enabling the company to manufacture gypsum, pipes, paper goods, and various other asbestos and cement products. By 1963, Flintkote operated a total of 147 facilities, including 21 internationally.
Challenges and Rising Health Concerns
The late 20th century brought financial and operational challenges to Flintkote, exacerbated by growing labor costs and production setbacks. This period also saw rising awareness of the health hazards of asbestos, linking it to diseases like mesothelioma, which prompted a surge in health-related legal actions against companies, including Flintkote.
Closure and Legal Fallout
Confronted with escalating legal challenges due to asbestos use, Flintkote ceased its operations in 1987, redirecting resources to address the mounting legal and financial issues.
Impact of Asbestos on Workers and Industries
With the inclusion of asbestos in their products from the 1930s, Flintkote’s workers and those in associated industries like construction and masonry were at heightened risk of asbestos-related health issues.
Formation of Asbestos Trust Fund
To deal with the consequences of its asbestos use, Flintkote established an asbestos trust fund in 2015. The fund, initiated with $214 million, aims to equitably compensate those affected by asbestos exposure, maintaining a 15% payment percentage to ensure future claimants can also be supported.