Illinois Tool Works (ITW) is a Chicago, Illinois industrial manufacturer whose Licon Division is documented in industry compound consumption surveys as a user of glass phenolic molding materials and DAP (diallyl phthalate) phenolic molding materials — both asbestos-era thermoset compound categories used in electrical and industrial component manufacturing.

Corpus documentation

Industry compound consumption records list Licon Division, Illinois Tool Works as a consumer of both:

  • Glass Phenolic Molding Materials — alongside Amphenol Connector Division, Automatic Electric Co., and Grayhill Inc. (Downers Grove, IL)
  • DAP Molding Materials — alongside Mallory Plastics Co., Methode Electronics, and Western Electric

This documents ITW’s Licon Division as a participant in both the glass-fiber-reinforced and DAP phenolic compound markets of the asbestos era.

Facility

  • Illinois Tool Works / Licon Division — Chicago, Illinois area and related facilities
  • Grayhill Inc. (Downers Grove, IL) documented in the same compound consumption records as a co-user of glass phenolic materials with ITW/Licon

Products manufactured

ITW/Licon Division manufactured electrical fasteners, connectors, and components using thermoset molding compounds. Glass phenolic and DAP compounds were used in applications requiring high heat resistance and dimensional stability beyond standard phenolic formulations — connectors, electrical terminals, and precision-molded components for electronics and industrial equipment.

Worker exposure pathways

Workers handling glass phenolic and DAP compound at ITW/Licon facilities were exposed during compound loading, press operation, and part finishing. DAP molding compounds in particular were used in aerospace and military electronics applications requiring high performance, typically containing asbestos fiber during the asbestos era.

If you worked at Illinois Tool Works or Licon Division

Workers in thermoset molding operations at ITW/Licon facilities may have been exposed to asbestos from phenolic, glass phenolic, or DAP molding compounds.

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References to manufacturers, products, and litigation history reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation, industry records, and compound consumption surveys. This information does not constitute a finding of fact or liability.