Years after the Grenfell Tower fire that claimed 72 lives in 2017, the companies involved have continued to profit significantly.
Despite the tragedy, corporate leaders in the construction industry and those producing the flammable materials used in the tower’s renovation have seen immense financial gains.
A recent public inquiry highlighted the deep-rooted issues within these companies, revealing a culture of negligence and disregard for safety.
Arconic’s Role in the Disaster
Claude Wehrle, a fireman in France, was also the technical manager for Arconic, the company behind the highly flammable cladding panels that accelerated the Grenfell fire.
Despite the inquiry identifying these panels as the primary cause of the fire’s rapid spread, Wehrle refused to testify, citing a questionable French law.
The inquiry found that Wehrle had misled British authorities to obtain a safety certificate for the dangerous panels.
His colleague, Deborah French, who sold the panels for the project, also failed to inform customers of their risks, continuing Arconic’s pattern of dishonesty.
Celotex and Kingspan’s Deceptive Practices
Celotex and Kingspan, the companies responsible for providing the insulation used in Grenfell Tower, were both condemned for creating a false market for their products.
Kingspan, in particular, was accused of knowingly deceiving customers about the safety of its materials.
Despite these findings, executives at both companies have continued to prosper financially.
For example, Kingspan’s founder and CEO have amassed millions since the tragedy, highlighting a disconnect between corporate responsibility and personal profit.
Rydon’s Casual Approach to Safety
Rydon, the lead contractor for the Grenfell refurbishment, was found to have a lax attitude towards fire safety.
The inquiry revealed that the company prioritized cost-cutting over safety, resulting in a significant tragedy.
Even after the fire, Rydon saw a substantial increase in profits, with its top executives enjoying luxurious lifestyles.
The company later divested its contracting operations, but its legacy of negligence remains a dark mark on its history.
Harley Facades’ Lack of Competence
Ray Bailey, the head of cladding contractor Harley Facades, lived a life of luxury while his firm was responsible for installing the dangerous cladding on Grenfell Tower.
The inquiry exposed the firm’s lack of understanding of fire safety, condemning its ignorance and failure to take necessary precautions.
Despite the tragedy, the company remains financially healthy, and the Bailey family continues to enjoy their wealth, with their son, who managed the Grenfell project, being labeled as incompetent.
Studio E’s Architectural Failures
Studio E, the architectural firm behind the Grenfell refurbishment, was also heavily criticized.
The inquiry found that Bruce Sounes, the project manager, failed to assess the suitability of the materials used in the renovation.
His negligence contributed significantly to the disaster, as he assumed there were no fire risks associated with the combustible cladding and insulation panels.
Fire Assessor’s Misrepresentation
Carl Stokes, the fire assessor for Grenfell Tower, was found to have exaggerated his qualifications, making him ill-equipped to handle the complex fire risk assessments required for the building.
Despite concerns raised by the London Fire Brigade, the management organization continued to rely on his services, exacerbating the danger.
What’s Next?
The findings of the Grenfell Tower inquiry have laid bare the failures of multiple companies and individuals, all of whom played a part in the tragedy.
As the final report makes clear, the disaster was the result of a series of avoidable mistakes and a culture of indifference to safety.
The challenge now lies in holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that such a catastrophe never happens again.
TDPel Media
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