Manufacturing

Keasbey & Mattison Ambler Plant

Keasbey & Mattison Ambler Plant The Keasbey & Mattison Company in Ambler, Pennsylvania was one of the earliest and largest asbestos manufacturers in the United States, producing asbestos cement, shingles, and insulation products. The town of Ambler was essentially built around the asbestos industry.

Last verified: 2026-03-09

Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.

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Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist

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30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience

Location: Ambler, PA
Industry: Asbestos Product Manufacturing
Exposure Era: 1880s–1960s
Primary Asbestos Products: Asbestos shingles, Asbestos cement pipe, Insulation products, Asbestos roofing, Magnesia insulation
Job Categories at Risk: Factory workers, Shingle makers, Pipe formers, Material handlers, Maintenance workers

History & Asbestos Use

Dr. Richard V. Mattison founded Keasbey & Mattison in 1881 and built it into one of America's first major asbestos product manufacturers. The company dominated the town of Ambler, constructing worker housing, a hospital, and community buildings—all with asbestos materials. At its peak, the plant complex sprawled across dozens of acres and produced asbestos shingles, cement pipe, and insulation products. Turner & Newall acquired the company in 1934 and continued operations until the early 1960s. The site was later designated an EPA Superfund location, with massive asbestos waste piles contaminating the area.

Exposure Details

Workers processed raw asbestos fiber in mixing, forming, and cutting operations with virtually no protective equipment for most of the plant's history. Asbestos waste piles—some towering 30 feet high—were left uncovered on plant grounds and throughout the town. Residents of Ambler experienced community-wide exposure from airborne fibers, contaminated soil, and asbestos waste used in local construction and road paving.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Keasbey & Mattison Ambler Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

Factory workers
Shingle makers
Pipe formers
Material handlers
Maintenance workers

Health Effects

The Ambler community has experienced generations of asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis among both workers and residents. The Keasbey & Mattison site is one of the earliest documented cases of community-wide asbestos contamination in the United States. Health studies have found elevated disease rates extending well beyond the former plant workforce.

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 Keasbey & Mattison Ambler 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 Keasbey & Mattison Ambler Plant?

Workers who were employed at Keasbey & Mattison Ambler Plant between 1880s–1960s 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 Exposure Sites

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Nicolet Industries Ambler Plant

Ambler, PA

Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania

If you were exposed to asbestos at Keasbey & Mattison Ambler Plant and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Pennsylvania may be able to help.

Penn Medicine (Abramson Cancer Center)

Philadelphia, PA

Comprehensive Cancer Center

View Full Profile

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Pittsburgh, PA

Comprehensive Cancer Center

View Full Profile

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did Keasbey & Mattison operate in Ambler?

The company operated in Ambler from 1881 until the early 1960s, spanning approximately 80 years of asbestos product manufacturing in the borough.

Is the Ambler asbestos site a Superfund location?

Yes, the former Keasbey & Mattison plant and the associated Ambler Asbestos Piles are designated EPA Superfund sites. The cleanup has involved capping massive asbestos waste piles and ongoing monitoring.

Were Ambler residents also exposed to asbestos?

Yes, the entire town of Ambler experienced widespread asbestos contamination. Asbestos waste was used as fill material throughout the community, and uncovered waste piles released fibers into the air for decades.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Keasbey & Mattison Ambler 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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Sources:

EPA Superfund records — accessed 2026-03-09
Pennsylvania DEP records — accessed 2026-03-09
Historical manufacturing records — accessed 2026-03-09
Ambler Borough historical archives — accessed 2026-03-09

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