Manufacturing

Overview

The manufacturing industry is in an exciting state of flux as innovation disrupts players at all levels. As one of the country’s strongest manufacturing hubs, the Southeast is at the forefront of these changes. Thanks to the region’s pro-business laws and attractive corporate taxes, among other factors, manufacturers of all sizes are drawn to the region. And while these manufacturers are as varied in product type as they are in size, there are hurdles that confront all – including environmental initiatives, infrastructure, tax rates and workforce development.

Regardless of size or product, manufacturers facing legal disputes need wise counsel who know both federal and state laws and who can navigate the local courtrooms. Turner Padget’s Manufacturing Industry Team offers sharp, talented business thinkers who are able to see clients’ needs holistically and reach straight to the core of the problem. We’ve handled matters for our manufacturing clients that span the legal spectrum, from catastrophic, complex product litigation to complicated insurance issues.

Some areas of representation for this practice include:

Catastrophic injury claims
Economic development and incentives
Employment law
General legal defense
Mass and toxic torts
Mediation
Mergers and acquisitions
Product liability
Property damage claims
Real estate transactions
Workers’ compensation

Experience

Successfully defended through verdict four multi-week trials alleging design defects in single and multi-car automobile accidents.
Served as national coordinating and trial counsel for a leading building product manufacturer in numerous class actions of national and regional scope involving a type of exterior wall cladding known as exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). Through more than a decade of litigation in numerous state and federal courts across the country, our team has guided this client and its insurers to a successful conclusion of the litigation with low impact on the continued growth and prosperity of the client’s business.
Served for more than 20 years as South Carolina defense counsel for a national building product manufacturer in class action litigation of nationwide scope in which colleges and universities and other governmental and institutional building owners sued for damages caused by the installation of asbestos-containing materials in their buildings. These cases, filed in South Carolina, were among the first product liability class-action cases to be filed anywhere and set a precedent for future cases.
Represented manufacturing clients locating in South Carolina in obtaining economic development incentives from state and local governments, such as fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements (FILOT).
Represented manufacturing companies on asset purchases and sales.
Serve as outside counsel on all matters for a large soft drink manufacturing and distribution company.