For decades, Plant Insulation Company was one of the largest suppliers and installers of thermal insulation materials across industrial, energy, and commercial construction projects. Unfortunately, many of those products contained asbestos, a known carcinogen that has led to thousands of mesothelioma and lung cancer cases nationwide. To compensate those exposed, the Plant Insulation Company Asbestos Settlement Trust was established. But while the trust remains active today, the risks tied to its legacy materials still linger in older facilities across Pennsylvania and beyond.
From the 1930s through the late 1970s, Plant Insulation Company worked extensively on:
These sites often used pipe coverings, block insulation, and cement mixes containing chrysotile and amosite asbestos. Workers who handled these materials, as well as maintenance teams and contractors who later disturbed them, were unknowingly exposed to toxic fibers.
Even today, as older facilities are renovated or demolished, residual asbestos dust remains a hazard, especially in states like Pennsylvania, where much of the industrial infrastructure dates back to the mid-20th century.
When Plant Insulation Company filed for bankruptcy, the courts established a trust fund to pay victims of asbestos exposure related to its products.
Key facts:
The trust follows the Trust Distribution Procedures (TDP) model used across other national asbestos trusts, meaning it assigns standardized disease levels and corresponding values for approved claims.
Pennsylvania’s industrial legacy, particularly in areas like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Bethlehem, and Erie, includes numerous facilities insulated with Plant Insulation Company materials.
Occupational groups most likely affected include:
Even individuals with secondary exposure (such as family members who handled contaminated work clothes) may have valid claims.
Recent reports show that asbestos renovation violations have been increasing in older industrial corridors, especially where commercial conversions are underway. Coupled with stricter EPA enforcement in 2025 and beyond, this reinforces the need for property owners and developers to handle any legacy insulation materials with extreme caution.
Additionally, the Plant Insulation Trust has adjusted its payment percentages to ensure fund longevity, a reminder that those with older or pending claims should act quickly before potential future reductions.
The story of the Plant Insulation Company serves as a reminder that asbestos dangers don’t end when a company closes its doors. Decades later, many of these same materials still pose serious risks in aging industrial and commercial sites across Pennsylvania. Recognizing and safely addressing asbestos exposure remains critical, not only for workers, but also for families and surrounding communities.
If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos from Plant Insulation Company products or worked in facilities where these materials were used, you may be eligible for compensation through the Plant Insulation Company Asbestos Settlement Trust.
Reach out today at 800-505-6000 or reach out through our contact form to learn how our team can help you understand your rights and take the next steps toward justice and financial recovery.
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