Reynolds Metals Company

The Reynolds Metals Company was established towards the end of the 1910s by the nephew of a man who owned a large tobacco processing company. The company began in Kentucky and focused on the manufacture of both lead and tin wrappings for a wide range of products including candies and cigarettes.

First known as U.S. Foil, the company widened its operation by acquiring the manufacturers of both Beechnut Foil and Eskimo Pies. The company then changed its name to Reynolds Metals Company in 1928. For a short time, the company was located in New York City and later moved to Virginia in the late 1930s. By this time, Reynolds Company was already a top manufacturer of both paper bags lined with aluminum and foil bags sealed with heat.

In 1941, Reynolds Metals began operating an aluminum processing plant in Alabama. Several years later, the company revealed its most well-known product, Reynolds Wrap foil. The company also began producing aluminum siding for both commercial buildings and homes. Later, the company produced aluminum vehicle parts and hull submarines.

By 1990, the company included production plants throughout the country including a facility in Washington and mining operations throughout the world. Around this time, 30,000 workers were employed by Reynolds Metals.

In 2000, Reynolds was purchased by Alcoa. This merger led to the creation of the biggest aluminum manufacturing operation in the United States. Alcoa owned Reynolds as a separate subsidiary and its consumer products line was acquired in 2008 by Graeme Hart, a New Zealand businessman who combined his operations with Reynolds to establish what is referred to as Reynolds Group Holdings.

When creating aluminum from the natural substance alumina, various distinct operations are involved including electrolysis and hot reduction containers. Plants of this kind often utilized asbestos to function as insulation in various locations including boiler rooms and steam pipes. Asbestos was also placed in various types of protective clothing.

Reynolds became part of the Alcoa company, which was established in the late 1800s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company is still one of the world’s biggest producers of aluminum. Alcoa has also expanded across the country and also has sites in 11 other countries. Alcoa utilized asbestos throughout its refineries and plants due to the material’s durable nature. Alcoa executives are reported to have been aware of the danger of asbestos since the 1940s.

Alcoa has been involved in various asbestos exposure-related lawsuits. In 2008, Alcoa was sued for the asbestos-related fatality of a former worker's daughter. Alcoa argued that it should not be held responsible for causing mesothelioma. The court ultimately ruled that Alcoa had a duty to prevent workers from being exposed.

Following exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured by Reynolds Metal Company or Alcoa, you or a loved one should not hesitate to speak with an experienced lawyer. Contact the Throneberry Law Group today by calling (888)506-1131 today to schedule a free case evaluation.