Pacor Incorporated (Philadelphia Asbestos Corporation)

Pacor Incorporated (Philadelphia Asbestos Corporation) is a nationwide leader in insulation products. Its history of asbestos use led to numerous mesothelioma lawsuits. Eventually, Pacor filed for bankruptcy and established an asbestos trust fund to compensate claimants.

With more than $30 billion currently set aside in trust funds, you may qualify for substantial compensation if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis. 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. 

Did Pacor Use Asbestos?

The construction industry had some of the heaviest use of asbestos in the past. Asbestos in construction was primarily used as insulation. Pacor used asbestos to make insulation products from the 1920s to the 1970s.

Pacor History

• Founded in 1921 as the Philadelphia Asbestos Corporation, Pacor Incorporated started manufacturing asbestos products for the military and industrial businesses.

• Originally headquartered in Philadelphia, Pacor eventually moved to headquarters in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.

• From its earliest days, Pacor used asbestos in its insulation products and continued using it into the 1970s.

• The Johns Manville Company, which would later become well-known for exposing thousands of people to asbestos, was one of the company’s partners.

• As insulation demands grew, Pacor added additional products and services to its line, and the company grew substantially.

• Pacor began supplying shipyards and the military, especially the U.S. Navy, with asbestos insulation during World War II. It was a major supplier to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

• By the 1970s, Pacor provided products and services to more than 100 companies nationwide. Still, the majority of its products contained asbestos, which would eventually come back to haunt the growing business.

• Pacor’s heavy use of asbestos in products led to thousands of asbestos-related claims. Employees and contractors who used Pacor insulation developed conditions such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.

• Eventually, asbestos victims began filing claims against the company. These led to Pacor’s bankruptcy filing in 1986. Pacor emerged from bankruptcy with an asbestos trust fund. Today, Pacor makes insulation products without asbestos.

What Pacor Products Contained Asbestos?

Pacor made insulation, which for decades was made with asbestos. Pacor was not alone in this. Most manufacturers during the middle of the 1900s used asbestos to make all types of insulation.

Pacor manufactured asbestos pipe insulation and asbestos cloth. It was also associated with the many asbestos products made by Johns Manville, including insulation, roofing materials, wallboard, and textiles.

Workers Affected by Pacor Asbestos Products

Many workers risked asbestos-related diseases due to exposure from their products. It began with Pacor employees who handled asbestos and asbestos materials in manufacturing plants.

In addition to employees of Pacor, workers in construction and related industries faced risks to asbestos products. Pacor distributed its asbestos insulation to many different workplaces.

Some of the occupations at risk of asbestos exposure from Pacor products include:

• Construction workers
• Painters
• Drywallers
• Insulators
• HVAC workers
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Roofers
• Repair and maintenance workers
• Shipyard workers
• U.S. Navy veterans
• Oil refinery workers
• Factory workers
• Boiler workers
• Pipefitters

Pacor Asbestos Lawsuits

Pacor faced thousands of costly lawsuits related to asbestos exposure and resulting illnesses. An early lawsuit from 1984 involved a man who worked with Johns Manville asbestos products distributed by Pacor.

Another lawsuit was filed by James Simmons, a U.S. Navy veteran. Simmons served in the Navy until 1963. He then worked at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. He came into contact with Pacor asbestos products in both settings and later developed an asbestos illness. He won a jury award of $350,000.

Pacor Bankruptcy and Asbestos Trust Fund

In 1986, facing so many costly asbestos-related claims, Pacor filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

The company came out of bankruptcy in 1988 and set up an asbestos trust fund, the Pacor Settlement Trust. The company funded the trust to compensate future claimants.

The trust was set up by the Claims Resolution Management Corporation (CRMC).

Since Pacor had ties as a distributor to the Johns Manville Corporation, it was also included in the Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust, initially funded with over $2 billion.

The Pacor Trust currently has a payment percentage of 5.1% and a 25% cap on attorney fees.

Pacor Incorporated Today

Pacor currently remains in operation after completely reorganizing itself after bankruptcy. The company still manufactures and distributes insulation products but has since replaced asbestos with a safer substitute.

What to Do if You Worked with Pacor Asbestos Products

You might be at risk for mesothelioma if you worked with Pacor products in the past. Talk to an asbestos law firm to find out how to seek compensation.

An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can give you the best chance of making a successful claim with the trust fund. They can also help you find other sources of compensation for your asbestos illness.

Additional Help and Resources for Asbestos Victims

Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, there is a good chance you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our foforget your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.