Automobile parts maker Siegel-Robert is seeking $1 million for scrap materials damaged in the November 2006 fire at the giant former Tupper-ware plant in Halls.

The complaint, filed Nov. 29 in U.S. District Court in Memphis, is against UIS Polymer of Alamo.

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According to the lawsuit, Siegel-Robert contracted in April 2004 with UIS to receive scrap, reprocess the material and return it to Siegel-Robert. Siegel-Robert maintained ownership of the material throughout the recycling process and UIS Polymer agreed to be responsible for damage to the product while in its care.

Siegel-Robert has a plant in Newbern and two facilities in Ripley.

According to the complaint, UIS Polymers was leasing the former Tupperware plant when fire consumed the building and contents on Nov. 5, 2006.

Siegel-Robert said in the complaint "all or substantially all" of the material stored at the plant was destroyed by fire. The value of the product is approximately $1 million, the company said.

The complaint alleges UIS Polymers breached the contract and "has failed/refused to reimburse" Siegel-Robert for the damaged product.

The company said in court filings it consents to have the matter judged by a magistrate.

Siegel-Robert is represented by Jefferson C. Orr of the Nashville law firm Smith Cashion & Orr; legal counsel for UIS Polymers is Kenneth R. Shuttleworth of the Memphis firm of Shuttleworth Williams.