Norit Americas Announces Lawsuit Alleging Misappropriation of Trade Secrets

Norit Americas, Inc. announced it filed a lawsuit against ADA-ES, Inc., ADA Environmental Solutions, LLC, and current ADA-ES employees, John Rectenwald and Stephen D. Young. Mr. Rectenwald and Mr. Young are former employees of Norit, having been employed by Norit for over 30 years.

Norit Americas filed the lawsuit in Marshall, Texas, and in the case asserts claims against the defendants including misappropriation of Norit’s trade secrets related to activated carbon, breach of fiduciary duty, and interference with and breach of various contracts. Ron Thompson, CEO of Norit Americas, noted that “Norit considers its intellectual property to be among the Company’s most valuable assets and Norit will act to protect it.” Norit seeks to recover monetary damages from the defendants, as well as injunctive relief in the lawsuit.

About Norit Americas, Inc.

Norit Americas Inc., based in Marshall, TX, produces activated carbon which is used to purify many substances – including water, air and food. Norit has been in Marshall, TX since 1921 and employs nearly 200 employees. Norit has been at the forefront of assisting the coal fired power industry to limit power plant mercury emissions through the use of powdered activated carbon. Norit recently announced a major expansion of its Marshall, TX plant. In 2008 alone, Norit hired 20 new employees as part of the expansion.