James Hardie Plant Reopened

December 14, 2006 - About two weeks after James Hardie Corporation’s west Sydney plant was closed due to an asbestos scare, the plant has partially reopened, reports The Courier-Mail.

The results of testing, which measured airborne fiber concentrations and possible contamination by settled dust and residue, stated that there was “some contamination of settled asbestos fiber dust in the raw materials store but concluded that the main production building could be reopened,” a James Hardie spokesperson told the media.  The raw materials storehouse would indeed remain closed, he added, until recommendations made as a result of the testing are implemented.

James Hardie Australia general manager Shane Dias said the temporary closure of the plant had had minimal impact on customers. "We erred on the side of caution by closing the plant to seek professional advice on the concerns raised by union representatives," Mr. Dias said.  "The main production area is expected to reopen tomorrow."

The plant closed when workers reported that parts of certain asbestos structures were rotted and that materials from those structures were lying on the floor of the plant.  The employees notified union representatives from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union who, in turn, contacted company executives.

The word “asbestos” has become synonymous with James Hardie Corporation, who recently settled a deal worth more than $4 billion to compensate victims of asbestos poisoning and their families.