Refractory linings are high-temperature resistant materials used to line furnaces and boilers.
The linings are generally purchased by refineries, auto manufacturers, and chemical and utility companies. The two cases were filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Toledo. The first case charged Northern Refractory and Insulation Company, an unincorporated division of Cerco Inc., with conspiring to rig bids for refractory lining construction contracts from January l993 through December l995, in violation of Section One of the Sherman Act. In a second case, Larry Angel, a former area manager for ACandS Inc., was charged with participating in the same conspiracy. According to the charges, the defendants conspired to suppress and eliminate competition for refractory lining construction and repair contacts.