Rhode Island has dropped its lead lawsuit against DuPont. The state is still suing Atlantic Richfield, American Cyanamid, ConAgra, Millennium, NL Industries Inc. and Sherwin-Williams.
DuPont said that its dismissal was based upon the facts and that it did not enter into a settlement agreement. The company, however, has agreed to donate $12.5 million to state charities and other funds.
“We have reached a thoughtful and focused alternative to litigation that addresses the concerns of the citizens of Rhode Island and enhances public awareness of the issues related to lead exposure,” said Stacey J. Mobley, DuPont senior vice president, general counsel and chief administrative officer. “There is no settlement agreement and DuPont will not make any payment to the state or pay any fees or expenses,” she added.
“DuPont has long maintained that the most effective way to address the issue of elevated blood lead levels in children is through education, awareness and targeted action—not litigation...I am pleased that we have reached an understanding with the Attorney General that is wholly consistent with this position,” said Mobley.
DuPont will make donations to the Children’s Health Forum, a national organization led by Jack Kemp, Brown University’s School of Medicine and the Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center.
Raabe Acquires Foxcolor
Raabe has acquired Foxcolor Inc., an Oshkosh, WI-based maker of custom color touch-up paint, and integrated the company into its operations in Menomonee Falls, WI.
Founded in 1989 Foxcolor is also a full service paint packaging company. Its principal owners were Bill and Beverly Armstrong and Brian Crass.
“The acquisition of Foxcolor adds an important market segment to Raabe’s branded touch-up paint business,” said Frederick Quinn, CEO of Quest Specialty Chemicals, which acquired Raabe in Nov. 2004.
According to Gerry Loftus, COO of Quest and Raabe, Foxcolor will bring added production capability and flexibility and allow the firm “greater capability in serving all aspects of the touch-up market from aerosols to pens, bottles, quarts and gallon packaging.”
Jason Plachetka will join Raabe from Foxcolor as national accounts manager