COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced the recovery of $2.14 million from Butler Manufacturing on Monday after the company allegedly failed to weatherproof metal that was used to construct a government building.
Butler Manufacturing, a Kansas City, Missouri-based supplier of roofing materials, allegedly failed to properly rustproof its metal during the manufacturing process. The metal was used during the installation of a 167,000-square-foot metal roof on the Tuscarawas County district headquarters of the Ohio Department of Transportation in New Philadelphia.
Shortly after the installation occurred, extensive corrosion and rust began to form. DeWine's Construction Litigation Group alleged that Butler Manufacturing was to blame for the rust after it failed to properly rustproof the metal. A jury ruled against Butler Manufacturing in the court case on October 23.
The $2.14 million recovery represents the cost of removing the defective roof and the installation of a new one. The amount was the full sum requested by the state.
"This is a substantial recovery for the state," DeWine said. "Just as we work to protect consumers from harm, we are also working hard to make sure state agencies and taxpayers are treated fairly and responsibly."
Prior settlements with the contractors who installed the roof bring the total recovery amount to $2.64 million.
ODOT has already repaired the faulty roof at its district headquarters.
Ohio AG announces $2.14 million recovery in ODOT case
