Dana Corporation Paris Plant

History & Asbestos Use

Dana Corporation operated manufacturing facilities in Paris, Tennessee as part of its nationwide network of automotive parts plants. The company was a leading producer of asbestos-containing gaskets, seals, and friction products sold under the Victor, Reinz, and other brand names. Dana gaskets were standard equipment in automobiles, trucks, and industrial machinery throughout the mid-20th century. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2006, citing asbestos liabilities among other factors, and a trust was established to compensate asbestos victims.

Exposure Details

Workers at the Paris plant were exposed to asbestos during the cutting, stamping, and packaging of gaskets and seals made from compressed asbestos materials. Gasket cutting operations using dies and hand tools generated fine asbestos dust. Quality inspection processes that involved flexing and testing asbestos gaskets also released fibers. Downstream auto mechanics and maintenance workers who removed and installed Dana gaskets were extensively exposed to asbestos over the course of their careers.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Dana Corporation Paris Plant had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

• Gasket cutters
• Machine operators
• Assembly workers
• Quality inspectors
• Maintenance workers

Health Effects

Former Dana Paris plant workers have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer from occupational asbestos exposure. The millions of auto mechanics and maintenance workers who routinely handled Dana asbestos gaskets during vehicle and equipment repairs were also at risk. Dana was named as a defendant in tens of thousands of asbestos personal injury claims nationwide.

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.

Related Asbestos Trust Funds

Workers exposed to asbestos at Dana Corporation Paris Plant may be eligible to file claims with the following trust funds:

• Dana Companies Asbestos Trust

Treatment Centers in Tennessee

If you were exposed to asbestos at Dana Corporation Paris Plant and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Tennessee may be able to help.

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Nashville, TN

Comprehensive Cancer Center

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

• Dana Corporation bankruptcy filings — accessed 2026-03-09
• OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
• Tennessee DOECC records — accessed 2026-03-09
• Automotive industry historical records — accessed 2026-03-09