NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge in New Orleans has refused to dismiss claims against a Chinese drywall manufacturer by homeowners who blame the company’s product for damaging their property.

Taishan Gypsum Co. Ltd. argued that U.S. courts don’t have jurisdiction over claims against the Chinese company, but U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon rejected that argument Tuesday.

Fallon also refused to vacate a $2.6 million default judgment he entered against the company after it initially refused to respond to the suits.

Taishan Gypsum made and sold more than
1.8 million sheets of drywall that were shipped to Virginia, Florida, Louisiana and other parts of the U.S. from 2005 to 2009.

Fallon presides over more than 10,000 claims involving Chinese drywall.