American Biltrite Inc. was founded in 1908 in Trenton, New Jersey as Ewell Rubber and primarily produced rubber heels and soles for shoes.  Two years later the company added a second manufacturing facility, Panther Rubber Mfg. Co., in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Then, in 1913, the company expanded into Canada followed by the addition of another manufacturing facility in 1917 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. In 1932 the Chelsea and Stoughton divisions were renamed the Panther Panco Rubber Company and the company’s name remained until 1951, when the company became known as American Biltrite Rubber Company. The Chelsea plant began to produce Amtico Rubber Flooring in 1917 and became known as American Tile and Rubber Company. By the 1960s, American Biltrite had expanded into other industries and began to use asbestos. At that time, American Biltrite was producing vinyl asbestos tile and asbestos-containing asphalt tile. In 1954, American Biltrite Rubber Co. was incorporated, and in 1973 its name was changed to American Biltrite Inc.

            In 1961, American Biltrite purchased Bonafide Mills, Inc. and began producing asbestos-containing products at its headquarters in Trenton, NJ. Bonafide Mills manufactured vinyl asbestos and asphalt covering, and American Biltrite used asbestos due to its heat resistant and durable properties.

            Asbestos-Containing Products include:

  • Vinyl asbestos floor tile
  • Asphalt tile
  • Sheet vinyl flooring with asbestos felt backing

American Biltrite workers were at high risk of asbestos exposure. This includes workers who installed and removed asbestos-containing products. Additionally, homeowners and those working in older buildings are at risk. When asbestos-tile is disturbed, the asbestos particles become airborne and put those working with the tiles in danger of asbestos exposure. Those who worked with these materials are at a greater risk of inhaling asbestos fibers which can become embedded in the lungs and cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other diseases years later.   Other occupations impacted by American Biltrite’s use of asbestos include carpenters, construction workers, demolition workers, factory workers, shipyard workers and tile workers.

The attorneys at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC have gathered a vast amount of information about the type and variety of asbestos-containing products manufactured by American Biltrite. It is important to secure legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos at American Biltrite, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.