August 1st, 2005

The Kubota Corporation, a Japanese machine maker, has stated that it has paid out compensation to nearly 100 families that have been affected by asbestos poisoning in some way. The payouts have been made to the families of 75 employees that have died and 18 surviving employees. All of the employees in question contracted cancer from asbestos exposure at the company’s factories between 1978 and 2004.

In addition to the payouts to employees, the Kubota Corp. also stated that it would be making compensation payouts to residents and families near to the plant who have developed cancer. The headquarters of the company are in Osaka, and the amount to be paid to residents is currently undisclosed.

Between 1954 and 1995 the factory produced asbestos based piping and building materials. It is during this time that many of the affected employees were exposed to asbestos, and during which time residents near to the factory may also have been exposed.

A company spokesman stated: "We have decided to pay consolation money considering the fact that there have been some patients who are suffering or suffered from illnesses that are believed to be linked to asbestos in our plants."