Founded towards the end of the 19th century, FMC Corporation began operation as a manufacturer of hand spray pumps. As FMC Corporation expanded, the company began to place asbestos in its products. Asbestos use in products resulted in the company facing countless asbestos lawsuits, starting in the 1980s. In 2021, FMC continues to be involved in asbestos litigation.
The History of FMCBeginning life as the Bean Spray Pump Company, FMC Corporation was founded in Los Gatos, California in 1883. The company’s incorporation occurred several decades later in 1904. The company expanded substantially in the 1920s. In 1928, Bean Spray Pump Company purchased Anderson-Barngrover Manufacturing Company as well as Sprague-Sells Corporation. These acquisitions resulted in the company’s name changing to Food Machinery Corporation, which better fit the company’s new focus.
In the 1930s, FMC purchased Peerless Pump Company, a pump manufacturer, and began placing asbestos in its products. FMC continued producing asbestos-containing pumps after the acquisition. FMC Corporation later purchased Niagara Sprayer & Chemical Company and West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company (Westvaco). These acquisitions led the company to change its name again to Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation.
In the 1950s, FMC Corporation continued its operations in both the United States as well as other parts of the world. During this time, the company’s asbestos usage increased substantially. FMC Corporation began offering asbestos in more products than its pump in the early 1950s lasting until the 1980s. Also, in 1961, the company again changed its name to FMC Corporation.
In the 1980s, after discontinuing its usage of asbestos, FMC Corporation was named in several asbestos-related lawsuits. As the company responded to litigation and resolved claims with asbestos victims, the company continued growing into the 21st century. Currently, FMC Corporation is divided into two separate and publicly-traded companies. FMC Corporation includes the company’s chemical operation, while FMC Technologies includes the machinery part of the company.
Lawsuits Against FMC Corporation Involving Asbestos ExposureFMC Corporation has been involved in thousands of asbestos lawsuits related to the company’s use of the substance. From the 1980s to 2016, over 110,000 asbestos claims were initiated against the company. During this period, mesothelioma settlements ended up costing the company approximately $80 million.
One of these cases involved a worker who filed lawsuits against over 50 companies who he thought played a role in his asbestos exposure. The worker had been employed at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for 37 years and worked with asbestos for a substantial portion of this time. The man later developed mesothelioma and ultimately died from the disease in 2008. The survivors of this man were ultimately awarded compensation.
Obtain the Assistance of an Experienced Asbestos Exposure AttorneyAfter a mesothelioma diagnosis, victims are often left feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to pursue the compensation they deserve. One of the best steps that victims can take in such a situation is to obtain the assistance of a compassionate lawyer. Contact the Throneberry Law Group today to schedule a free case evaluation.
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