BorgWarner, Inc. was founded in 1928 and manufactured automobile parts. BorgWarner was headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan and continues to make automobile parts today.

BorgWarner manufactured the following asbestos-containing products:

BorgWarner employees, as well as automotive employees, mechanics, warehouse workers and people who did their own brake work using BorgWarner asbestos-containing products are at high risk for exposure to asbestos; as the company manufactured and supplied asbestos-containing brake pads from 1971 through 1975.  BorgWarner also manufactured asbestos clutches through the 1980’s.  Asbestos was used in many automotive parts (such as BorgWarner’s brakes and clutches) because of its ability to insulate against high temperatures and prevent fires. Friction products, like brakes and clutches, utilized asbestos so that they would not overheat.

These products were used in automotive shops throughout the United States, exposing mechanics and other workers to asbestos. Additionally, BorgWarner sold its asbestos-containing products to General Motors. This put General Motors workers at high risk for exposure to asbestos.

BorgWarner had manufacturing locations throughout the world, however two of these facilities were located in New York State. These locations were in Cortland, NY and Ithaca, NY.

BorgWarner has been the subject of thousands of lawsuits by workers who have developed asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.  These lawsuits have cost BorgWarner millions of dollars; in fact, the company had to explore divesture, or selling off its subsidiary business interests or investments, in order to avoid bankruptcy.  This resulted in the company putting aside millions of dollars so it can cover existing and future asbestos claims. 

The attorneys at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC have gathered a vast amount of information about the type and variety of asbestos-containing products manufactured at BorgWarner. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos at BorgWarner or by using BorgWarner products, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.