In 1916, the Globe Woven Belting Company was established in Buffalo, New York, by Michael Bleecher as a manufacturer of high quality conveyor belt products. Initially, the company’s plant consisted of one building located at 1400 Clinton Street. Over the next few decades and as its operations grew, the facility expanded and added more wings to its initial structure. In 1965, Albany Felt, also known today as Albany International, acquired Globe Belting and continued to operate the facility as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Albany International continued to manufacturer conveyor belt products at the Clinton Street facility, which at that time, covered over 7 acres. In 1983, former Albany International – Globe Belting Vice Presidents, Donald S. Stewart and Harry M. Cardillo, acquired Globe Belting renaming the company Globe International. In 1997, Habasit AG purchased Globe and renamed the company Habasit Globe, Inc, which today maintains its operations at the Clinton Street facility.

Up until the late 1970s, dozens of asbestos-containing materials were utilized at Globe Belting in the manufacturing process and during maintenance procedures. Asbestos yarn, block insulation, pipe covering, insulating cement, and gaskets contained asbestos. Asbestos was also incorporated into many conveyor belts that Globe Belting manufactured. Inhaling dust and particles from the application and removal of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk for developing mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Asbestos-containing materials and products were not absent from Globe Belting’s product line or its manufacturing facility. Up until the late 1970s, numerous trades, including weavers, loom setters, belt flippers, machinists and other laborers were exposed to asbestos during the manufacture of conveyor belts and other woven materials. These tradesmen were exposed to asbestos dust and fibers when they wove, cut or manipulated asbestos yarn. Inhaling dust and particles from the manipulation of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk for developing mesothelioma or lung cancer. Even those who were not in direct contact with asbestos materials remain at risk for the development of asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos-containing materials also insulated the steam system at Globe Belting. Asbestos was incorporated into insulation that covered hot water pipes and associated equipment within the building’s steam heat system. Asbestos block insulation was applied to steam boilers and hot water tanks. When asbestos-containing insulation was handled or disturbed, it released asbestos fibers into the air and into the breathing zone of workers.

Lipsitz & Ponterio, LLC, has represented former Globe Belting workers who were diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer. Our clients understand the importance of securing legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma. If you or a loved one once worked at Globe Belting, in Buffalo, New York, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.