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The Secret History of James Hardie Industries: From Asbestos to $5 Billion Empire

Ken Follett

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Published in Asbestos House: The Secret History Of James Hardie Industries

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James Hardie Industries is a global construction materials company headquartered in Ireland with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The company is best known for its fiber cement products, including siding, roofing, and trim. James Hardie was founded in 1888 in Australia and has since grown into a global leader in the building materials industry.

Asbestos Legacy

One of the darkest chapters in James Hardie's history is its involvement with asbestos. From the 1940s to the 1980s, James Hardie manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products, including roofing, siding, and insulation. Asbestos is a known carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma and other deadly diseases.

Asbestos House: the secret history of James Hardie Industries

by Gideon Haigh

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1151 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	448 pages

In the 1980s, as evidence of the health risks associated with asbestos mounted, James Hardie began to phase out its use of the material. However, the company continued to face lawsuits from people who claimed they had been harmed by its asbestos-containing products.

In 2001, James Hardie filed for bankruptcy in the United States. The company created a trust to compensate victims of asbestos exposure, but the trust has been criticized for being underfunded.

Post-Asbestos Era

After emerging from bankruptcy, James Hardie focused on its fiber cement products. The company's fiber cement products are made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. They are resistant to fire, moisture, and pests.

James Hardie's fiber cement products have been used in a wide variety of construction projects, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and schools. The company has also expanded its product line to include siding, roofing, trim, and other exterior building products.

Recent Developments

In recent years, James Hardie has made a number of acquisitions that have strengthened its position in the global construction materials market. In 2015, the company acquired NRG Framing Systems, a manufacturer of steel framing products. In 2017, James Hardie acquired HardiePlank, a manufacturer of fiber cement siding products.

James Hardie is now one of the largest construction materials companies in the world. The company has a market capitalization of over $5 billion and employs over 3,000 people worldwide.

James Hardie Industries has come a long way since its humble beginnings in Australia. The company has weathered a number of storms, including asbestos litigation and bankruptcy, and emerged as a global leader in the construction materials industry. James Hardie is well-positioned for continued growth in the years to come.

Asbestos House: the secret history of James Hardie Industries

by Gideon Haigh

4.9 out of 5