Problems with Powers’ Fast-Set Epoxy Reported Overseas

Jason Sandefur

Powers Fasteners reportedly faced “problems with the strength and reliability” of its Fast-Set epoxy on several projects in Singapore during the same period of time the New York fastener manufacturer was assessing bolt slippage on the Big Dig tunnel system in 1999, the Boston Globe reported.
The Globe article detailing Powers” epoxy issues in Singapore was said to be based on 50 pages of company documents. The Globe concluded that the documents, of which the Massachusetts attorney general reportedly has copies, showed “company officials in Asia were increasingly worried that the fast-set epoxy being used there & was 40 to 50 percent weaker than described” in Powers” catalog.
The information in company documents obtained by the Globe, if accurate, could potentially impact Powers” criminal case, which is likely to both two separate civil actions the company faces.
“The Singapore documents could help Coakley prove that Powers acted with wanton and reckless disregard for safety, the legal standard required for a manslaughter conviction of a corporation, in remaining silent after questions arose about slippage of the ceiling bolts in summer and fall of 1999,” the Globe reported.
Powers attorney Martin Levin defended his client to the Globe.
“This is a case of apples and oranges,” Levin was quoted as stating. “The only potential link was that there was a complaint about fast-set.
“Fast-set may have been used in the tunnel, but certainly Powers didn”t know it” at the time, Levin maintained.
Arraignment is scheduled for September 5. \ �2007 FastenerNews.com