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FOAMEX HONORED
WITH AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD
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Manufacturer
Takes First Place in Production Division for Innovative Technology
LINWOOD, PENNSYLVANIA, May
24, 2000 - Foamex 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 (CPCSM) 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. 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 CPCSM
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." CPCSM 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. "CPCSM 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."
The 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 CPCSM 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 CPCSM 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. |