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Manufacturing

Babcock & Wilcox Barberton Plant

Babcock & Wilcox Barberton Plant

Babcock & Wilcox Barberton Plant The Babcock & Wilcox Barberton Plant was a major manufacturer of industrial boilers and steam generation equipment that used extensive asbestos insulation. The facility was the company's flagship operation and one of the largest employers in Summit County, Ohio.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
•
30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
Barberton, OH
Industry
Boiler & Power Equipment Manufacturing
Exposure Era
1920s–1980s
Primary Asbestos Products
Boiler insulation, Pipe insulation, Refractory cement, Gaskets and packing, Steam drum insulation
Job Categories at Risk
Boilermakers, Welders, Insulators, Pipefitters, Maintenance workers

History & Asbestos Use

Babcock & Wilcox established its primary manufacturing facility in Barberton, Ohio in 1908, and it became one of the world's leading producers of industrial boilers, steam generators, and nuclear components. The company's products were extensively insulated with asbestos materials for thermal protection. B&W boilers powered utilities, industrial plants, and naval vessels throughout the 20th century. The company faced over 100,000 asbestos personal injury claims and its subsidiary, Babcock & Wilcox Company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2000, emerging in 2006 with a trust to compensate victims.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Barberton plant were exposed to asbestos during the fabrication, insulation, and testing of boilers and steam generators. Insulators applied thick layers of asbestos-containing insulation and refractory materials to boiler components. Maintenance workers were also heavily exposed when removing and replacing worn asbestos insulation on plant equipment and during boiler overhauls for customers.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Babcock & Wilcox Barberton Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Boilermakers
  • Welders
  • Insulators
  • Pipefitters
  • Maintenance workers

Health Effects

Thousands of former B&W workers—at the Barberton plant and at field service locations—have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Workers who installed and maintained asbestos insulation on B&W boilers at power plants, refineries, and shipyards throughout the country have also been heavily affected. B&W was among the most commonly named defendants in asbestos personal injury lawsuits.

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 Babcock & Wilcox Barberton 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 Babcock & Wilcox Barberton Plant?

Workers who were employed at Babcock & Wilcox Barberton 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.

Speak with an Attorney — Free Request a Free Case Evaluation

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at Babcock & Wilcox Barberton Plant may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

Treatment Centers in Ohio

If you were exposed to asbestos at Babcock & Wilcox Barberton Plant and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Ohio may be able to help.

Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center

Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center

Cleveland, OH

View Full Profile

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Babcock & Wilcox manufacture in Barberton?

The Barberton plant manufactured industrial boilers, steam generators, pressure vessels, and nuclear components. These products were heavily insulated with asbestos-containing materials and were installed in power plants, refineries, and ships worldwide.

How many asbestos claims has Babcock & Wilcox faced?

Babcock & Wilcox has faced over 100,000 asbestos personal injury claims from plant workers, field service workers, and downstream tradespeople who were exposed to asbestos while working on or around B&W products.

Is there a B&W asbestos trust?

Yes, the Babcock & Wilcox Company Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was created following the company's bankruptcy in 2000 to compensate individuals who developed asbestos-related diseases from exposure to asbestos in B&W products.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Babcock & Wilcox Barberton 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:

  • Babcock & Wilcox bankruptcy filings — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Ohio EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Power generation industry records — accessed 2026-03-09
← All Exposure Sites in Ohio ← All Exposure Sites
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