Whirlpool, Arconic Get Grenfell Tower Fire Suit Moved to U.K.

Whirlpool Corp. and Arconic Inc., sued in the U.S. by the estates of people killed in the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London and survivors, may litigate the claims in the United Kingdom because of the evidence and witnesses available there, a federal court in Pennsylvania ruled.

Whirlpool acquired the company that made the refrigerator blamed for starting the blaze, according to the court. Arconic—formerly Alcoa Inc.—and its subsidiaries allegedly designed and made flammable cladding on the building.

The cladding is a major focus of the litigation because the plaintiffs allege it contributed to the fire’s rapid spread up the ...