UNR Industries Asbestos Trust
Eligibility, payouts, and how to file. Last reviewed: 2026-05-03.
See if you qualify for the UNR Trust
About the UNR Trust
UNR Industries (formerly UNARCO Industries) manufactured asbestos-containing pipe insulation and asbestos cement pipe from the 1940s through 1980. The company was an early bankruptcy filer (1989) and the UNR Industries Asbestos Trust was established the same year. The trust pays at 4% pro rata on a $25,000 scheduled mesothelioma value.
Bankruptcy and trust establishment
UNR is one of the smaller pipe insulation trusts, with estimated payouts of $800–$1,200 per claim. Despite the modest individual amount, UNR is part of the standard pipe insulation trust package and contributes to cumulative multi-trust compensation.
Products and exposure sources covered
UNARCO pipe insulation, asbestos cement pipe, and related construction products manufactured during the 1945-1980 exposure window.
Specific asbestos-containing products manufactured or distributed by this company:
- Pipe insulation
- Asbestos cement pipe
Eligibility criteria
To file a claim with the UNR Trust, you generally need to demonstrate:
- Qualifying diagnosis: Mesothelioma, Lung cancer, Asbestosis
- Documented exposure to UNR Trust products during the trust's covered exposure window (1945–1980)
- Work history records placing you at a job site where these products were used (employer records, union records, witness statements, military service records)
- Medical documentation (pathology reports, imaging, treating physician records)
Insulators, pipefitters, and construction workers who handled UNARCO products during the era. Documentation is similar to other pipe insulation trusts.
How to file with the UNR Trust
- Gather documentation — diagnosis records, work history, military service records (DD-214), product identification
- Complete the trust's claim form — Each trust has its own form
- File with all applicable trusts — multi-trust filing simultaneously is the standard approach
- Trust review — typically 3–9 months
- Payment — typically 2–6 months after approval
Most claimants qualify for several trusts, not just one. Filing with all applicable trusts at once maximizes total compensation. Start your free case review and we'll identify every applicable trust for your specific work history.
Compensation amounts
Reported scheduled value for mesothelioma claims: $25,000. The trust's current pro rata payment percentage is 4%, meaning the actual payout typically falls in the range of $800–$1,200.
These figures are based on Trust Distribution Procedures (TDPs) and historical payout data. Pro rata percentages can change. Actual recovery varies by case factors including diagnosis severity, exposure documentation, and trust funding levels at the time of payment. Past payouts do not guarantee future amounts.
Common qualifying occupations
The UNR Trust commonly accepts claims from workers in these occupations:
Multi-trust filing strategy
The UNR Trust is rarely the only trust a mesothelioma claimant qualifies for. Most workers exposed to pipe insulation were also exposed to products covered by other bankruptcy trusts. Filing with multiple trusts simultaneously is standard practice and significantly increases total compensation.
Related trusts that often apply alongside the UNR Trust
- Johns Manville Trust — 5.1% pro rata, est. payout $1,100–$4,500
- Owens Corning / Fibreboard Trust — 26.2% pro rata, est. payout $45,000–$70,000
- W.R. Grace Trust — 31% pro rata, est. payout $50,000–$65,000
- Pittsburgh Corning Trust — 28% pro rata, est. payout $55,000–$70,000
- Celotex Trust — 5.5% pro rata, est. payout $3,000–$5,000
Deadlines and statute of limitations
The UNR Trust generally accepts claims on a rolling basis with no fixed annual deadline, though the trust may modify procedures from time to time. The applicable statute of limitations for the underlying asbestos claim depends on your state of residence and typically runs from the date of diagnosis (1–3 years in most states for personal injury; longer for wrongful death in some jurisdictions).
Always verify current deadlines with the trust administrator or a licensed attorney before filing. We track deadlines for our clients so you don't miss a filing window.
Frequently asked questions
I was an insulator — does UNR apply?
Yes. UNR is part of the standard insulator trust package. File alongside Manville, Owens Corning, Pittsburgh Corning, Eagle-Picher, and other pipe insulation manufacturers.
Why is UNR's pro rata only 4%?
UNR was an early bankruptcy filer (1989) when trust funding mechanics were less mature. Combined with high historical claim volume, the pro rata percentage settled at 4%.
What was UNARCO?
UNARCO Industries was the company's name before its bankruptcy reorganization. UNR is the post-bankruptcy entity. The trust covers UNARCO-branded products from the asbestos era.
Does UNR cover asbestos cement pipe exposure?
Yes. UNR manufactured asbestos cement pipe used in water and sewer applications. Workers who installed, cut, or maintained this pipe have eligible exposure documentation.
Should I file UNR even though the payout is small?
Yes. Multi-trust strategy aggregates payouts across many trusts; UNR's contribution adds to your total. Skipping eligible trusts leaves money on the table.
Sources and verification
Information on this page is based on publicly available Trust Distribution Procedures (TDPs), bankruptcy court Plans of Reorganization (PACER), trust annual reports, and RAND Institute for Civil Justice asbestos trust research. Reviewed quarterly.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-03 · Next scheduled review: 2026-08-03
Ready to file a claim with the UNR Trust?
Free case review. We'll identify every trust that applies to your case.
+1-800-400-1805 or take the eligibility quiz
Confidential. No upfront cost.