Combustion Engineering Windsor Plant

History & Asbestos Use

Combustion Engineering, Inc. operated its primary manufacturing facility in Windsor, Connecticut, producing industrial boilers, steam generators, and power plant equipment. The company's products were heavily insulated with asbestos for thermal protection and fire resistance. Combustion Engineering boilers were installed in power plants, refineries, and industrial facilities across the United States and internationally. The company was acquired by ABB in 1990 and later faced massive asbestos liabilities. A trust was established through bankruptcy proceedings to compensate asbestos victims.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Windsor plant were exposed to asbestos during the fabrication, insulation, and assembly of boilers and steam generators. Insulators applied asbestos-containing insulation, gaskets, and refractory materials to boiler components in the manufacturing area. Field service workers who installed and maintained Combustion Engineering boilers at power plants and industrial sites across the country also faced severe asbestos exposure during installation, repair, and overhaul work.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Combustion Engineering Windsor Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

• Boilermakers
• Welders
• Insulators
• Machine operators
• Maintenance workers

Health Effects

Former Combustion Engineering workers—both at the Windsor plant and in field service—have developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis at elevated rates. Boilermakers and insulators who worked on Combustion Engineering equipment at power plants and industrial facilities throughout the country have filed thousands of asbestos claims. The company was one of the most frequently named defendants in asbestos litigation.

Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at Combustion Engineering Windsor Plant may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

• Combustion Engineering Asbestos Trust

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

• ABB/Combustion Engineering bankruptcy filings — accessed 2026-03-09
• OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
• Connecticut DEEP records — accessed 2026-03-09
• Power industry historical records — accessed 2026-03-09