In strongly-word letter to US-based supplier of aluminium cladding Arconic, he has called on the manufacturer to set out plans to pay for remediation works on unsafe buildings.
Yesterday the Enquirer revealed he has also written to insulation manufacturer Kingspan whose K15 insulation was used on Grenfell Tower.
Writing now to Timothy Myers, CEO of Arconic Corp, Gove said he was appalled by the evidence heard by the Grenfell Inquiry “about the extent that your employees went to so as to conceal the flammable nature of your products, and to avoid promoting fire-retardant products to customers – because doing so would reduce your profits”.
“To date, Arconic has failed to engage in a meanfull way in any part of the industry-wide negotiations that took place in 2022,” he states.
“You incorrectly stated that you were represented by the Construction Products Association depite Arconic not being a member.
“I note with interest your annual reports, which reveal that Arconic spent an average of $11m per year on legal advice and representation on Grenfell related matters between 2017 and 2022.”
He added: “In stark contrast, you have not contributed any funding – not a single dollar or cent – towards the cost of fixing dangerous buildings, despite the fact that your flammable products continue to put lives at risk in the United Kingdom today.
I have written to @arconic who have not taken any responsibility – moral or financial – for their role in the Grenfell tragedy & building safety crisis. They’ve instead spent around £9m per year on lawyers to defend themselves. I will use all tools at my disposal to make them pay pic.twitter.com/FFF84p4ZHA
— Michael Gove (@michaelgove) March 30, 2023
“I invite you to meet my officials to explain how you intend to scope, identify and pay for remediations works.”
He concludes: “Those companies that do not share in our commitment to righting wrongs of the past must expect to face commercial consequences.”
Gove has given the firm until 12 April to reply.
