Judge Finds Taishan Gypsum Co. Ltd. Drywall Maker in Contempt

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge has ordered a China-based maker of drywall to pay $55,000 in penalties and attorney fees — and to stop doing business in the United States — as punishment for refusing to take part in court proceedings over harm allegedly done by the product.

U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon found Taishan Gypsum Co. Ltd. in contempt of court.

Taishan had contested U.S. Courts' jurisdiction over claims that gases released by the drywall corroded metals and caused major appliances to fail.

Fallon's ruling Thursday noted that Taishan lost that argument at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He noted instances where Taishan refused to appear at later court proceedings.

An attorney for Taishan declined to comment Friday.