Manufacturer Takes First Place in Production Division for Innovative TechnologyFoamex International Inc. (Nasdaq:FMXI), the leading manufacturer of flexible polyurethane and advanced polymer foam products, was recognized with a Design and Technology Award at the annual Auto Interiors Awards Banquet, held in Detroit on May 16, 2000. The company took first place for innovation in the Manufacturing Technology category for development of its Continuous Platform Cutting (CPC(SM)) process.
The award was accepted by Arthur H. Vartanian, Executive Vice President of the Foamex Automotive Products Group. Also attending the ceremony was Denys Denney, Senior Technical Director, who led the research team that developed the innovative technology.
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In accepting the award, Mr. Vartanian commented, “Foamex has made a significant commitment to research and development for automotive interiors, and this award acknowledges our important contribution to that industry.
“I’m especially pleased to see the creativity and dedication of technology leaders like Denys Denney and his team being recognized,” Vartanian continued. “Their work on CPC(SM) has given Foamex the ability to address simultaneously customer concerns regarding fuel economy and weight reduction; a more efficient production process; and demands for continuous quality improvements in the areas of fit, finish, comfort, noise reduction and durability.”
CPC(SM) technology makes it possible for an entire floor carpet underlay, or other large part, to be cost-effectively fabricated as a single, lightweight polyurethane foam component, with the surface contoured to fit the shape of the floor pan perfectly. This system improves the look, feel, durability and acoustical properties of the finished floor. The innovation allows interior integrators to reduce floor system weight and part count, improve component durability and ease plant material handling.
“CPC(SM) technology can be adapted to a variety of vehicles, ranging from automobiles to trucks and including popular sport utility vehicles and minivans,” Vartanian said. “Weight reduction ranges anywhere from five to ten pounds, depending on the size of the vehicle.”
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By GlobalDataThe weight advantage, coupled with improved fit and finish, enhanced comfort and product uniformity, led one judge to ponder, “Lower weight, improved quality, easier assembly – what more does an OEM demand of new technology?”
Mr. Vartanian acknowledged the cooperation and foresight of both General Motors and Lear Corporation in bringing this important new technology to market. Foamex debuted CPC(SM) technology in the General Motors 2001 Pontiac Aztek, and is already following this successful production launch with the upcoming 2002 Buick Rendezvous program. Foamex provides floor carpet underlay fabricated with CPC(SM) technology to Lear Corporation for use in these GM programs.
Now in their fifth year, the Auto Interiors Design & Technology Awards were created by Auto Interiors magazine to stimulate creative thinking and encourage innovation in the interiors industry. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Automotive & Transportation Interiors Expo which takes place annually in Detroit. An independent panel of judges, representing a cross-section of the American and European automotive industries, selected the award winners.
Foamex, headquartered in Linwood, Pennsylvania, 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, aerospace, electronics and computer industries as well as filtration and acoustical applications for the home. Revenues for 1999 were $1.3 billion. For more information visit the Foamex web site at www.foamex.com.
