Continental Carbon, Goodyear file suits over carbon black quality issues

HOUSTON (May 15) — Continental Carbon Co. has filed a $2.3 million collection lawsuit against Goodyear, claiming the Akron tire maker hasn't paid for products "bought, received and used," the Houston-based carbon black producer announced May 14. The lawsuit, filed in a Houston district court May 2, also addresses an alleged breach of contract by Goodyear, resulting in monetary damages to Continental Carbon. Goodyear filed a countersuit May 8, seeking more than $4 million in damages based on its claim it received defective carbon black from Continental Carbon causing a two-day production shutdown at the tire maker's Lawton, Okla., plant in September of last year. Goodyear claims it has a contractual right to set off the money it owes based on the damage caused by the shutdown. Continental Carbon said Goodyear is trying to evade its financial obligations, while Goodyear said Continental Carbon abandoned its responsibility to provide quality product.