Belgian foam supplier Latexco expands in U.S.
By David Perry -- Furniture Today, March 13, 2006
Lavonia, Ga. — Latexco, one of the world's largest producers of latex foam for the bedding industry, is expanding its business in the United States on both the East and West coasts.
The Belgian company is operating out of a temporary facility here and will move into a permanent plant in Lavonia in the spring. Initially it will handle fabrication and distribution of latex products made in Belgium and Spain, but later this year will begin producing toppers and rolls.
Production of mattress cores will follow as U.S. sales grow, company officials said. When that happens, Latexco will become the second U.S. producer of latex cores, joining Shelton, Conn.-based Latex International.
Latexco also has acquired SleepComp, a latex and polyurethane foam fabrication and distribution company based in Buena Park, Calif. That operation will service bedding customers in the western states.
"We worked hard for several years to create SleepComp and we are proud of all that has been accomplished," said Steve Antinori, the former owner of SleepComp. "Latexco will now be a significant supplier to the U.S. bedding industry."
Roger Coffey was president of SleepComp and is remaining with the acquired operation as president of SleepComp West.
Latexco officials will discuss their new ventures at their booth at the International Sleep Products Assn. show in San Antonio this week.
Luc Maes, the company's owner and CEO, said the U.S. market offers great opportunities for latex bedding.
"We have been closely monitoring the rebirth of the latex foam bedding industry in the United States and have seen tremendous growth, but feel that the market is about to explode," he said. "The time is now to establish a world-class, customer-driven manufacturing facility in the U.S."
Erik Deporte, executive general manager, said Latexco offers service, products and creativity. "Our focus will always be our customer's needs serviced by our highly experienced staff," he said.
Latexco, based in Tielt, Belgium, says it produces more than 1 million latex mattress cores per year, more than 1.1 million latex pillows, and almost 2 million continuous linear yards of latex toppers and quilting rolls.
