Consolidated Shipyards

In 1941, the Consolidated Steel Corporation built a shipyard in Wilmington, CA in order to accommodate the need for more locations in which to build ships for World War II.  At that time, the company was awarded a Maritime Commission from the U.S. Navy and commenced with their new job of constructing vessels for the military. During the peak years, Consolidated Shipyards of Wilmington employed about 12,000 workers. 

The company also owned a shipyard in Orange, Texas, which opened in 1940 after also receiving a commission from the Navy.  It employed about 20,000 civilians during the war years.

After the war, the California location ceased operations.  The Texas location, however, reverted to being a fabricator after the war and was for many years a division of U.S. Steel.  It is now a shipyard again, as a division of Signal International.

Did you or a loved one work at one of Consolidated’s shipyards during or after World War II?  If so, you may have been exposed to dangerous asbestos, especially if you worked as a pipefitter, insulator, electrician, plumber, boilerman, or other occupation where you came into contact with asbestos-containing materials. 

Shipyard workers are especially prone to developing mesothelioma.  If you were employed at Consolidated and have been diagnosed with the disease, you’ll want to order our free Mesothelioma Information Kit.  It provides a wealth of information about the disease, new cutting-edge treatments, the best doctors available to treat your cancer, and your legal rights as a sufferer.