Keene Corporation
Originally called the Keene Packaging Corporation until 1967, the Keene Corporation achieved success by selling fireproofing, bearings and insulations products, which contained asbestos. The first product made by Keene was heat-sealed plastic packaging. The company eventually expanded to see microcircuits, industrial bearings, fireproofing and lightning fixtures.
As early as the 1920s, physicians recognized that exposure to asbestos caused severe sickness when asbestosis was identified by British medical journals. At the same time, insurance companies in the United States and Canada stopped selling life insurance to asbestos workers. Moreover, safer substitutes for most asbestos uses were known as early as the 1930s. Nevertheless, Keene chose to protect its substantial profit margins rather than discontinue use of the mineral. Keene manufactured and sold asbestos products until 1970.
Additionally, the asbestos fibers remain in a person’s lungs for years and symptoms may not develop for decades. Keene’s victims might live for decades without knowing of the deadly injury they sustained. Thus, thousands of Keene employees and consumers were exposed to deadly asbestos. Most of the injured individuals have been workers from Keene’s plant.
In 1993, the company entered bankruptcy due to its liabilities for using asbestos. After reorganization, the company emerged from bankruptcy in 1996. Part of Keene’s reorganization provided for the formation of the Keene Creditors Trust, which set aside money to compensate those who were victims of asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one has been injured by Keene, it is important that you contact The Gori Law Firm immediately for more information on your rights.