In 1904, Fred Locke purchased six acres of land in Lima, New York, in order to build a porcelain insulator manufacturing plant, known as the Lima Insulator Company. These insulators were placed on top of telegraph and power lines and aided in conducting high voltage electricity. Hard times hit the Lima plant in 1908 when two fires, bankruptcy claims and transfers of ownership took place.  By 1920, the plant was rebuilt and operated under Porcelain Insulators Corporation or PINCO. The newly constructed plant sat on East Main Street in Lima, New York, and was managed and controlled by William Harvey who was the company’s primary stockholder.  Harvey was also a stockholder in the Joslyn Manufacturing and Supply Company. After William Harvey passed away and the estate was settled, The Joslyn Manufacturing and Supply Company acquired full stock and PINCO became a wholly-owned subsidiary. The company saw much expansion after this time and continued to grow by building new facilities and broadening their operations. The Lima plant was purchased by Industrial Ceramics, Inc., in 1985, and continued to manufacture insulators with the PINCO stamp. Operations ceased at the plant in 1987.

Prior to the late 1970s, those that worked at the PINCO plant in Lima were exposed to various forms of asbestos during their employment. Many asbestos-containing materials were utilized at PINCO during maintenance and upkeep procedures, including asbestos pipe covering, asbestos cement and asbestos block insulation. Laborers and contractors who worked at PINCO were at risk for asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.

PINCO’s Lima, New York, manufacturing facility required steam to heat its building and to deliver heat to the massive heaters located in the dry room. Asbestos block insulation lined the walls of the dry room and steam room. Asbestos-containing pipe covering and cement covered steam lines throughout the plant. During maintenance procedures and because of wear and tear, asbestos pipe covering was removed and reapplied so that the equipment within the steam system could maintain a constant internal temperature. Saws were used to cut the pipe covering, which created enormous amounts of dust. Asbestos-containing cement was dumped into a bucket and mixed with water, which also created large amounts of dust. Most workers were completely unaware of the dangers of exposure to the asbestos dust and performed their work without masks or protective gear.

Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC, has represented PINCO workers who were diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer. Our clients understand the importance of securing legal representation as soon as possible after a diagnosis of mesothelioma. If you or a loved one once worked at PINCO, in Lima, New York, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.