Attorney General's News Release

January 6, 2004

Nixon returns $1.5 million to state from settlement with maker of faulty furniture glue

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon negotiated a settlement that puts $1.5 million back into Missouri's coffers. The money comes from a company responsible for a faulty industrial adhesive, ConBond 330.

Prisoners in the Department of Corrections' Missouri Vocational Enterprises program used ConBond 330 extensively from 1992 to 1997 to make furniture. State agencies and members of the general public bought the furniture, then found that it fell apart. In the years since, customers have been taking the furniture back to the prisoners for repairs. So far, this has cost the state more than $1.5 million.

"Missouri should not get stuck with the cost of repairs caused by this faulty product," Nixon says. "We are pleased to have negotiated this agreement that provides more money for state services."

The parties involved in the settlement include Burmah Castrol Inc. and its insurance carrier, OneBeacon Insurance Co. They will pay a total of $1,512,876.13 to reimburse the state of Missouri for the cost of repairs. The settlement agreement also provides for payment of future claims for repair costs.

ConBond 330 purchased after Aug. 31, 1997 was reformulated to eliminate problems associated with loose laminate.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818