Begun in 1912 in New York state, American Olean Title Company started as Olean Tile. After the company was purchased in 1958 by National Gypsum, asbestos was added to both tile and related products. After this time, ownership of the company changed several more times. At one point, the American Olean Tile Company (AOTC) utilized asbestos in its products, which placed many people in danger. The company’s use of asbestos products has led to countless lawsuits against the company.
The History of the American Olean Tile Company
Following its founding, the AOTC expanded slowly. In 1958, the National Gypsum Company acquired the existing elements of Olean Tile Company. At the same time, the National Gypsum Company also acquired American Encaustic Tile Company and American Olean. This led to the formation of the AOTC. This company became a subdivision of National Gypsum.
In the late 1980s, the AOTC was purchased by Armstrong World Industries. Then, in 1995, the remains of American Olean were acquired by Dal-Tile. American Olean was then dissolved. Later in 2001, Dal-Tile merged with Mohawk Industries.
Beginning in the late 1950s and ending in the late 1970s, AOTC placed asbestos in its products, particularly its floor tile. Besides manufacturing asbestos-containing tiles, AOTC sold thin-set mortars known to contain asbestos. Consequently, workers at AOTC from 1958 to 1978 were subject to asbestos. Over the years, AOTC manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products that were used in both commercial and residential settings. This meant that factory workers, tradesmen, and general consumers of American Olean products were exposed to the hazard of asbestos.
The American Olean Trust Fund
American Olean does not directly have an asbestos trust fund. Two of American Olean’s one-time parent companies, Armstrong World Industries and National Gypsum Company, have established asbestos trust funds to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. American Olean was a National Gypsum subsidiary during the period that American Olean placed asbestos in its products. Consequently, National Gypsum is often found liable for asbestos cases filed against the company. People diagnosed with asbestos-related disease due to American Olean asbestos products consequently are often able to pursue compensation from the National Gypsum trust.
Asbestos Exposure and American Olean Tile
American Olean placed asbestos in its products to both increase durability as well as to increase the material’s ability to resist heat and fire. Until 1980, asbestos was commonly added to many building products which include adhesives, backing boards, and flooring. Some products constructed by American Olean known to contain asbestos include floor adhesives and floor tiles.
Any worker at American Olean from 1958 to 1978 might have been exposed to asbestos. American Olean had factors in several states including Alabama, Kentucky, New York, and Tennessee. Workers who were not employed by American Olean might still have been exposed to asbestos-containing products due to on-the-job exposure. Some of the types of workers that might have been exposed to asbestos found in American Olean products include construction workers, factory workers, plumbers, and tile setters.
Speak With an Experienced Asbestos Exposure Attorney
After a mesothelioma diagnosis, it’s easy to end up feeling afraid and uncertain about what you can do to pursue compensation. Contact the Throneberry Law Group today to schedule a free case evaluation. Our lawyers under the challenges commonly faced by asbestos exposure victims and we are prepared to fight f0r the results you deserve.
