Koch Industries Pine Bend Refinery The Koch Industries Pine Bend Refinery in Rosemount, Minnesota is one of the largest refineries in the Upper Midwest, processing Canadian crude oil for the regional market. Workers at this facility were exposed to asbestos-containing insulation and process materials from the 1950s through the early 1980s.
Last verified: 2026-03-09The Pine Bend Refinery was built in 1955 and acquired by Koch Industries in 1959, becoming a cornerstone of the Koch family business empire. The refinery now operates under the Flint Hills Resources subsidiary and processes approximately 339,000 barrels of crude oil per day, primarily from Canadian sources. Asbestos was used as standard insulation material throughout the refinery from its construction through the early 1980s.
Workers at the Pine Bend Refinery encountered asbestos in thermal insulation on piping, heat exchangers, boilers, and storage vessels. The extreme Minnesota winters made thermal insulation critical to refinery operations, and asbestos was the insulation material of choice for decades. During maintenance turnarounds, workers removed and replaced asbestos insulation in conditions that generated significant airborne fiber exposure.
The following job categories at Koch Industries Pine Bend Refinery had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:
Former Pine Bend Refinery workers have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases linked to their occupational exposure at the facility. The cold climate requirements for extensive thermal insulation meant that the refinery had particularly heavy asbestos use compared to facilities in warmer regions. Workers employed during the 1950s through 1970s faced the highest exposure levels.
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.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Koch Industries Pine Bend Refinery may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.
2 asbestos trust funds have been identified as potentially related to exposure at this site. Many mesothelioma patients qualify to file claims with multiple trusts simultaneously.
Find Out If You QualifyWorkers who were employed at Koch Industries Pine Bend Refinery between 1950s–1980s may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Workers exposed to asbestos at Koch Industries Pine Bend Refinery may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:
If you were exposed to asbestos at Koch Industries Pine Bend Refinery and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Minnesota may be able to help.
Koch Industries purchased the Pine Bend Refinery in 1959, just four years after it was built. The refinery has been a key Koch Industries asset ever since, now operating under the Flint Hills Resources subsidiary. Asbestos was used at the facility from its 1955 construction through the early 1980s.
Minnesota extreme winter temperatures made thermal insulation essential for refinery operations. Asbestos was the preferred insulation material due to its heat resistance and durability, resulting in particularly extensive use throughout the facility piping, vessels, and equipment.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney can evaluate your work history at the Pine Bend Refinery and advise on potential claims against Koch Industries, Flint Hills Resources, and the manufacturers of asbestos products used at the facility. Both lawsuits and trust fund claims may be available.
If you or a loved one worked at Koch Industries Pine Bend Refinery and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.
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