Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation was created in 1938 by the merger of the Allegheny Steel Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the Ludlum Steel Company of Watervliet, New York. In Watervliet, the Allegheny Ludlum steel plant was located on Lincoln Avenue, and it employed approximately 1,000 employees, many of whom were represented by labor unions, such as the United Steel Workers of America, Local 2478. The Watervliet plant manufactured specialty steel, which was incorporated into airplane motors for almost every aircraft used in the Army and Navy.  In 1976, Allegheny Ludlum sold the plant to Al-Tech Specialty Steel. Al-Tech operated the plant until it went out of business in 1999.

Up until the late 1970’s, dozens of asbestos-containing materials, such as packing material, gaskets, pipe covering, insulating cement and block insulation, were installed and removed at the Allegheny-Ludlum plant. Inhaling dust and particles from the application and removal of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Asbestos-containing gaskets and packing material were utilized inside pumps, valves, and steam traps at Allegheny-Ludlum. Steam pipes were covered with asbestos-containing pipe covering and insulating cement. Asbestos block insulation insulated steam boilers. Asbestos-containing insulation was commonly removed and reapplied because of maintenance or repairs. When workers removed and reapplied asbestos insulation, asbestos-containing dust became airborne. Most workers were unaware of the dangers of exposure to asbestos and performed their work without protective masks.

Our clients understand the importance of securing legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer. If you or a loved one were once employed at Allegheny Ludlum in Watervliet, New York, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.