FOAMEX Replaces Fiber in Quilting Applications

Furniture World Magazine

Foamex International Inc. (NASDAQ: FMXI), the leading manufacturer of flexible polyurethane and advanced polymer foam products in North America, formally introduced QuiltfFlexTM a revolutionary new polyurethane foam product designed to replace polyester fiber in the top quilting layer of mattresses. "We've experienced a very enthusiastic receptionty to this product from bedding manufacturers after eight months of successful test marketing on the East and West coasts," said Alvaro Vaselli, vice president of marketing and sales for the Foam Products business unit. "After eight months of successful test marketing on the West Coast, Theycustomers a're excited at having, for the first time, a viable alternative to fiber." Mattress manufacturers have long been seeking a way to prevent body impressions in quilting construction, a problem that has been impossible to overcome with conventional fiber mattress toppers. "What's driving the great response to QuiltfFlex is that our customers now see a an innovative solution to a troublesome common problem, and they've jumped at the opportunity to try the product," Vaselli said. QuiltfFlex is produced using Foamex's exclusive, patented Variable Pressure Foaming (VPFSM) process, which to ensures unparalleled performance and consistency. The company says QuiltfFlex virtually eliminates body impressions, while providing and offers comfort comparable to the highest grades of fiber. Quiltflex also provides far greater durability than conventional fiber. Foamex is so confident that quilting panels made with QuiltfFlex will retain at least 90 percent of original loft for the life of the mattress (up to 10 years), that the company is offering a written guarantee. Foamex, headquartered in Linwood, Pa., is the world's leading producer of comfort cushioning for bedding, furniture, carpet cushion and automotive markets. The company also manufactures high-performance polymers for diverse applications in the industrial, military, electronics and computer industries as well as filtration and acoustical applications for the home. Foamex has 69 facilities in 20 states and four foreign countries. Revenues for 2000 were $1.3 billion. For more information visit the Foamex Web site at http://www.foamex.com.