Latex Foam to rebuild in Connecticut
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 25, 2001
ANSONIA, Conn. — Latex Foam Products, whose principal manufacturing plant here was destroyed by fire in May, said it plans to rebuild in nearby Shelton, Conn.
The company, which is the only domestic supplier of latex foam for the mattress industry, said it has agreed to purchase the former Emhart Fastening Technologies plant.
Renovations will begin immediately after the purchase is finalized in December, and company officials hope to begin shipments from the facility around May 15.
"After a great deal of hard work, we will be excited to begin operations in our new Shelton facility this spring," said Steve Russo, president and chief executive officer. "Thanks to everyone's efforts, this is a win-win situation for … our employees, our customers and the region."
He said the company had hoped to remain in Ansonia — its home for 17 years — but it would have taken more than a year to construct a facility from the ground up. He said waiting that length of time would have risked the long-term health of the business.
"The city of Ansonia will always have a special place in our hearts," said William Coffey, chairman and co-founder of the company.
"We wish we could have stayed, but everyone realizes how important it is to keep jobs here in the region and get back to work as soon as possible," he said.
Since the fire, the company has been supplying customers by purchasing latex foam from a variety of European suppliers and fabricating it at small plants in California and Connecticut.
In addition to mattress cores and cushioning, the company is the world's largest producer of latex pillows and cosmetic applicators.
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Latex Foam opens temporary plant
Sep 9, 2001 -
Latex plant rises from ashes
May 26, 2002
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