Raybestos-Manhattan Stratford Plant

History & Asbestos Use

Raybestos-Manhattan, founded by asbestos industry pioneer Sumner Simpson, operated its primary manufacturing plant in Stratford, Connecticut beginning in the early 1900s. The plant became one of the nation's largest producers of asbestos brake linings, clutch facings, and industrial friction products. Internal company documents later revealed that Raybestos executives knew about the dangers of asbestos exposure as early as the 1930s but suppressed the information. The plant site became an EPA Superfund site due to extensive asbestos contamination in soil and groundwater, and cleanup efforts have continued for decades.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Stratford plant were heavily exposed to chrysotile asbestos during the mixing, molding, grinding, and finishing of brake linings and clutch facings. The grinding and beveling operations generated enormous quantities of asbestos dust. Waste asbestos was dumped on plant grounds and used as fill material in the surrounding neighborhood, creating widespread community exposure.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Raybestos-Manhattan Stratford Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

• Brake lining workers
• Machine operators
• Grinding operators
• Assembly workers
• Maintenance mechanics

Health Effects

The Stratford plant is associated with exceptionally high rates of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer among former workers. Community health studies found elevated cancer rates in neighborhoods adjacent to the plant where asbestos waste was used as fill. The Raybestos case is considered a landmark in asbestos litigation history due to the company's documented knowledge of health risks.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

• EPA Superfund records — accessed 2026-03-09
• Connecticut DEEP records — accessed 2026-03-09
• Sumner Simpson papers — accessed 2026-03-09
• Asbestos litigation discovery documents — accessed 2026-03-09