Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Finland: The highest court in Finland has confirmed the finding of a serious infringement of antitrust laws by expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation materials producers at appeal. Mondaq Business Briefing News has reported that two materials producers must now pay a fine of Euro3.2m. A third producer, which provided information to the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority, received immunity for its involvement. The trio colluded on product pricing between November 2012 and mid-2014.

US: Germany-based Knauf Insulation has launched an appeal against the decision of a Californian court in a civil dispute over staff pay. The claimants allege that Knauf Insulation has failed to pay overtime wages, meal and rest period premiums and minimum wages. Knauf was also accused of failing to maintain records to provide accurate wage statements. Class Action reporter has reported that case will pass to the US Court of Appeals.

US: South Korea's Toray Chemical Korea Inc has agreed to pay US$2m to settle a criminal complaint alleging attempted theft of a competitor's trade secrets.

The complaint against Toray was filed in the US District Court in Richmond, Virginia. In an accompanying deferred prosecution agreement, Toray has admitted that the allegations are true and has agreed to pay the penalty and take corrective actions. The government has agreed to drop the case after two years if Toray complies with the agreement.

According to court papers, Toray sought to develop a fibre used in protective fabrics, electrical insulation and other products that is similar to a fibre that is manufactured by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Toray tried to hire former DuPont employees as consultants to obtain information about the DuPont product.