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Manufacturing

Garlock Sealing Technologies Palmyra Plant

Garlock Sealing Technologies Palmyra Plant

Garlock Sealing Technologies Palmyra Plant Garlock Sealing Technologies' Palmyra Plant manufactured asbestos-containing gaskets, packing, and sealing products used throughout the industrial, petrochemical, and power generation sectors. The company was one of the largest gasket and packing producers in the United States.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Location
Palmyra, NY
Industry
Sealing & Gasket Manufacturing
Exposure Era
1920s–1980s
Primary Asbestos Products
Asbestos gaskets, Asbestos packing, Compressed asbestos sheets, Valve stem packing, Flange gaskets
Job Categories at Risk
Gasket cutters, Machine operators, Packing assemblers, Material handlers, Maintenance workers

History & Asbestos Use

Garlock Sealing Technologies, a subsidiary of EnPro Industries, has operated its primary manufacturing facility in Palmyra, New York since the late 19th century. For decades, the plant produced gaskets, packing materials, and sealing products that contained asbestos for its heat-resistant and sealing properties. Garlock products were widely used in refineries, power plants, chemical facilities, and maritime applications. The company faced tens of thousands of asbestos claims and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2010, emerging with a trust established to compensate asbestos victims.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Palmyra plant were exposed to asbestos during the cutting, stamping, and forming of gaskets and packing products from compressed asbestos sheets. The cutting and machining of asbestos gasket materials generated fine asbestos dust throughout the production areas. Downstream workers—pipefitters, mechanics, and maintenance workers who cut and installed Garlock gaskets and packing—were also extensively exposed to asbestos fibers.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Garlock Sealing Technologies Palmyra Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Gasket cutters
  • Machine operators
  • Packing assemblers
  • Material handlers
  • Maintenance workers

Health Effects

Former Garlock Palmyra workers have developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer from occupational asbestos exposure. The large number of downstream users who handled and cut Garlock asbestos products on jobsites also experienced elevated rates of asbestos-related disease. Garlock was named as a defendant in over 100,000 asbestos claims before its bankruptcy filing.

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.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at Garlock Sealing Technologies Palmyra Plant 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.

1 asbestos trust fund 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 Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Garlock Sealing Technologies Palmyra Plant?

Workers who were employed at Garlock Sealing Technologies Palmyra Plant between 1920s–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.

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at Garlock Sealing Technologies Palmyra Plant may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Treatment Centers in New York

If you were exposed to asbestos at Garlock Sealing Technologies Palmyra Plant and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in New York may be able to help.

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

What asbestos products did Garlock manufacture?

Garlock produced asbestos-containing gaskets, valve packing, compressed asbestos sheets, and sealing products used in industrial piping systems, pumps, and valves across the petrochemical, power generation, and maritime industries.

Who was exposed to asbestos from Garlock products?

Both plant workers in Palmyra and the vast number of pipefitters, mechanics, millwrights, and maintenance workers who cut and installed Garlock gaskets and packing on job sites were exposed to asbestos.

Is there a Garlock asbestos trust?

Yes, the Garlock Sealing Technologies Asbestos Trust was established following the company's bankruptcy to compensate individuals who developed asbestos-related diseases from exposure to Garlock's products.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Garlock Sealing Technologies Palmyra Plant 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.

Free & Confidential No upfront costs, no hidden fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Nationwide Representation Licensed to handle mesothelioma cases in all 50 states from our Houston office.
Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Sources:

  • Garlock bankruptcy filings — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • EnPro Industries SEC filings — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Product liability litigation records — accessed 2026-03-09
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