Former West Midlands factory worker appeals for information following diagnosis with asbestos linked lung disease

John McCue, 79, worked in maintenance at J S & Chinn in Exhall, Warwickshire and in clutch production for Automotive Products based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.  

At J S & Chinn, between 1969 and 1971, John carried out roof and building maintenance at the main factory site and surrounding buildings in Exhall as part of a wider team of labourers. He recalls sawing, fitting and replacing asbestos roofing sheets as a part of his role.   

Between 1973 and 1977, John worked for Automotive Products at their large manufacturing site on Tachbrook Road, where he was based in the Borg & Beck factory, on the clutch pad production line. During this time, John was the final part of a three-man production line where he balanced the clutch to make sure it sat correctly. Clutch pads, as it is now commonly understood, often contained asbestos material until around 1999.  

John began experiencing shortness of breath in 2012 and a short time later he was diagnosed with pleural thickening, a lung disease affecting the protective membrane surrounding the lungs, commonly caused by inhaling asbestos fibres.  

He has now instructed the asbestos team at law firm, Leigh Day to investigate his case.  

John and his legal team want to hear from anyone who worked at either of the two companies during these time periods, or who may have known and worked with John. Former colleagues may hold important information about where he may have been exposed to asbestos and they emphasise that, “even the smallest detail could prove vital”.  

Claire Spearpoint, partner in Leigh Day’s asbestos team said:  

“Pleural thickening cases such as John’s can cause debilitating discomfort and pose serious risks to health.  

"We’re grateful for anyone who worked at J S & Chinn or Automotive Products at a similar time to come forward who can provide information about the workplace environment and how John may have come into contact with asbestos. Even the smallest detail could prove vital.”  

If you may have any information which could help John, please contact Claire Spearpoint on 0207 650 1391 or by emailing cspearpoint@leighday.co.uk.