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Manufacturing

Owens Corning Defiance Plant

Owens Corning Defiance Plant

Owens Corning Defiance Plant The Owens Corning Defiance Plant produced fiberglass and insulation products, including the asbestos-containing Kaylo insulation line. Workers at this facility were exposed to asbestos fibers during manufacturing, handling, and maintenance operations.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
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30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
Defiance, OH
Industry
Fiberglass & Insulation Manufacturing
Exposure Era
1940s–1970s
Primary Asbestos Products
Fiberglass insulation with asbestos, Kaylo insulation, Pipe insulation, Industrial insulation boards, Building insulation products
Job Categories at Risk
Production workers, Machine operators, Insulation fabricators, Maintenance technicians, Warehouse workers

History & Asbestos Use

Owens Corning established its Defiance, Ohio plant as part of its nationwide insulation manufacturing network. The facility produced the Kaylo brand of calcium silicate insulation, which contained asbestos until the product line was reformulated in the early 1970s. Owens Corning acquired the Kaylo line from Owens-Illinois in 1958 and continued asbestos-containing production at Defiance and other locations. The company faced tens of thousands of asbestos lawsuits and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2000, emerging in 2006 with a trust fund to compensate asbestos victims.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Defiance plant were exposed to asbestos during the mixing, molding, cutting, and finishing of Kaylo insulation products. The manufacturing process generated significant airborne asbestos dust, particularly during cutting and shaping operations. Maintenance workers who serviced equipment insulated with asbestos materials faced additional exposure during repair and replacement tasks.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Owens Corning Defiance Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Production workers
  • Machine operators
  • Insulation fabricators
  • Maintenance technicians
  • Warehouse workers

Health Effects

Former Defiance plant workers have developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer linked to their occupational asbestos exposure. Workers involved in cutting and shaping Kaylo insulation products had particularly high exposure levels. Long latency periods mean that some workers are only now being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases decades after their employment ended.

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 Owens Corning Defiance 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.

Find Out If You Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Owens Corning Defiance Plant?

Workers who were employed at Owens Corning Defiance Plant between 1940s–1970s 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

Treatment Centers in Ohio

If you were exposed to asbestos at Owens Corning Defiance 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 was Kaylo insulation?

Kaylo was a calcium silicate insulation product that contained asbestos. It was widely used in industrial and commercial buildings for pipe and equipment insulation from the 1940s through the early 1970s.

Did Owens Corning establish a trust fund for asbestos victims?

Yes, the Owens Corning/Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was established in 2006 following the company's bankruptcy reorganization and continues to process claims from asbestos victims.

When did Owens Corning stop using asbestos at the Defiance plant?

Owens Corning phased out asbestos-containing products in the early 1970s, though workers may have continued to encounter residual asbestos during maintenance and renovation work after that date.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Owens Corning Defiance 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.

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Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
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Sources:

  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Owens Corning bankruptcy filings — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA inspection records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Product liability litigation documents — accessed 2026-03-09
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