The Gypsum Files

The first trial in the combined litigation taking place in New Orleans will involve Virginia homeowners and a Chinese-owned company:

U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon, who is overseeing the combined Chinese drywall litigation in New Orleans, said Thursday the first “bellwether” trial will take place Jan. 25 — barely 60 days from now.

In a shift from previous plans, the trial will involve seven Virginia homeowners whose homes were allegedly damaged by tainted drywall produced by Taishan Gypsum Co. Ltd., also known as Shandong Taihe Dongxin Co. Ltd. and Taian Taishan Plasterboard.

Taishan shipped drywall to Florida through Port Everglades and Tampa, and its product also was sent to other states, including Virginia, New York and California. The seven Virginia plaintiffs all used drywall imported by the same distributor, Norfolk-based Venture Supply.