The Lockport plant has gone by several names – it is formerly known as Harrison Radiator, and then Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems, and is now known as General Motors Components Holdings plant.

Harrison Radiator was established in 1910 by Herbert Harrison in Lockport, New York.  During its first years of operation, the company was located in a small building on Canal Street. In 1914, Harrison Radiator moved to a facility on Washburn Street that consisted of five buildings, which became known as the Main Plant. The buildings of the former Main Plant are now utilized as an office park known as Harrison Place.

The company was acquired by United Motors in 1916, and in 1918, General Motors purchased both United Motors and Harrison Radiator. In 1952, Harrison Radiator constructed the 350-acre, 10-building manufacturing facility on Upper Mountain Road called the West Plant.  Harrison Radiator manufactured automotive radiators and air conditioners at both facilities for General Motors. During its peak production years, the company employed more than 10,000 workers at its Lockport facilities. In 1987, Harrison Radiator closed its Washburn Street plant.

In 1994, General Motors formed Automotive Components Group.

In 1995, General Motors branched off all its component manufacturers into a new company named Delphi Automotive Systems, and Harrison Radiator was renamed Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems.

1997: GM and Hughes Electronics Corporation branched off of Hughes Defense electronics business and transfer Delco Electronics from Hughes to Delphi.

GM spun off Delphi in 1999, and the parts supplier went through a bankruptcy reorganization from 2005 to 2009.  In 1999, Delphi Automotive Systems became a fully independent publicly held corporation, with its headquarters located at 5725 Delphi Drive, Troy, MI 48098-2815.

Harrison Radiator was reacquired by General Motors in 2009 as part of its Automotive Components Group, and its plant on Upper Mountain Road continues to manufacture automotive heating and cooling components.

General Motors in late 2017 announced it would invest $3.5 million in the Lockport plant to support production of future thermal products. That followed GM’s 2016 announcement of $32 million in investment in the Lockport site, which includes production of components including radiators, condensers, heater core and oil coolers.

Delphi Principal Subsidiaries: Delco Electronics Corporation; Delphi Automotive Systems (Holding), Inc.; Delphi Automotive Systems LLC.

Delphi Principal Divisions: Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical Architecture; Electronics & Mobile Communication.

Delphi Principal Operating Units: Delphi Automotive Systems; Aftermarket Operations; Audio and Mobile MultiMedia Systems; Electrical/Electronic Systems; Energy Systems; Engine Management Systems; Intellek Sensors and Actuators; Interior and Occupant Protection Systems; Microelectronics; Ride and Handling Systems; Thermal Systems.

ASBESTOS AND DELPHI

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst identified Delphi Corp. as the 21st-largest corporate producer of air pollution in the United States in 2002.[1] According to the study, the manufacturer’s most toxic emissions included asbestos (542 lb/yr), chromium compounds (1,082 lb/yr), lead compounds (8,466 lb/yr), and sulfuric acid (17,600 lbs/year), while the most massive emissions were glycol ethers (111,520 lbs/year) and hydrochloric acid (80,000 lb/yr).[2]

Asbestos is an excellent electrical insulator and is highly heat-resistant, so for many years it was used as a building material. Asbestos was widely used during the 20th century until the 1970s, when public recognition of the health hazards of asbestos dust led to its prohibition in mainstream construction and fireproofing in most countries. Despite the severity of asbestos-related diseases, the material has been widely used all over the world, and most buildings constructed before the 1980s are thought to contain asbestos.

Asbestos was incorporated into numerous materials used during the manufacturing process at the  Harrison Radiator/Delphi facility. Up until the late 1970s, insulating materials, such as block insulation, pipe covering, insulating cement, gaskets and packing material contained asbestos. Employees and contractors who worked at Harrison Radiator/Delphi were at risk for asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos-containing block insulation, pipe covering and insulating cement lined boilers, pipes, pumps and valves associated with the steam system at Harrison Radiator/Delphi. Due to wear and tear, asbestos insulation was removed and reapplied so that the equipment within the steam system could maintain a constant internal temperature. When asbestos-containing insulation was removed and reapplied, asbestos dust became airborne. Most workers were completely unaware of the dangers of exposure to the asbestos dust and performed their work without masks or protective gear.

Asbestos-containing gaskets were also utilized throughout the Delphi/Harrison Radiator plant. These gaskets created a tight seal between pipe flanges, pumps and valves. Asbestos-containing packing material was wrapped around valve stems and pump shafts in order to prevent fluid leaks. Asbestos gaskets and packing material were often replaced during maintenance and repairs on pumps and valves. The replacement process emitted asbestos fibers, which workers inhaled.

Our clients understand the importance of securing legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer. If you or a loved one were once employed at Harrison Radiator/Delphi facility in Lockport, New York, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights


[1] “Political Economy Research Institute”. Peri.umass.edu. Archived from the original on 1 October 2011. Retrieved 15 April 2012.

[2] Toxic 100 detailed company report (Toxics Release Inventory)Archived 24 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine


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