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Foamex International Inc. Expands Automotive Lamination Capacity in Mexico and Canada

1 December 1997

Foamex International Inc. Expands Automotive Lamination Capacity in Mexico and Canada

                    Significant Investment, New Equipment
             To Help Boost Customers' Quality, Cost Efficiencies

    SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec. 1 -- To help meet demands by
automakers and Tier One suppliers for continued quality improvements and cost
efficiencies, Foamex International Inc. has expanded its lamination capacity
for automotive fabrics with the recent installation of new equipment at its
facilities in Mexico and Canada.
    "These state-of-the-art laminating systems -- coupled with recent
investments and expansions -- are another example of how Foamex is extending
its capabilities and leveraging its expertise to offer customers improved
product quality, better value and innovative automotive interior solutions,"
said Gregory W. Brown, Executive Vice President, Automotive, for Foamex
International.
    According to Brown, a new flame, tri-laminating system has been installed
at the company's 300,000-square-foot Cuautitlan, Mexico facility, which opened
in May 1997.  The facility, which also features a new foam pouring line, is
part of Foamex de Mexico's major investment and expansion in this region.
This added capacity will allow the company to pursue new business with Tier
One automotive interior suppliers.
    "Our major expansion in Mexico demonstrates our commitment to serving our
customers as they continue to grow globally," said Veronica P. Forster,
President and Chief Operating Officer, Foamex de Mexico.  "And it further
enhances our ability to efficiently provide them with world-class polyurethane
products and advanced technologies."
    A new flame bi-laminator at Foamex's 250,000-square-foot Toronto facility,
Brown said, will be dedicated primarily to supplying laminated rolled foam for
Chrysler's 1998 LH series vehicles.  The Toronto facility also provides local
support for a variety of key suppliers.
    In addition to the Mexico City and Toronto plants, Foamex's automotive
business operates lamination facilities in Acuna, Mexico; Santa Teresa, N.M.;
and Auburn, Ind.  Together, these five locations enable Foamex to supply
laminate products to the North American auto industry on a just-in-time basis.
Current plans are to add additional capacity in Foamex's Juarez, Mexico
facility, as well as the Santa Teresa plant during 1998 to serve this market.
    "We guarantee the same world-class quality and service from any of our
facilities," Brown said.  "With these strategically located facilities, we can
greatly reduce shipping costs ... thereby significantly saving money for our
customers."
    Lamination is the process of using flame or conventional adhesives to bond
polyurethane foam to automotive fabric and a backing substrate, which provides
stiffness.  A bi-laminator is capable of only adhering the foam and fabric, so
the backing must be bonded by a separate process.  A tri-laminator combines
all three elements through one process.
    Linwood, Penn.-based Foamex International -- which has more
than 40 strategic facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico,
including ISO-9001 and QS-9000 registered automotive facilities spanning from
Toronto to New Mexico -- is North America's leading manufacturer and marketer
of flexible polyurethane and advanced polymer products.  Foamex's quality
foams are utilized primarily in five end-markets: automotive, including trim
and accessories; carpet cushion; cushioning, including bedding products;
furniture; and technical applications, including filtration, gasketing and
sealing.
    Applications for polyurethane products in the auto industry continue to
expand as automakers recognize the multi-faceted benefits of foam.  Today,
there are more than 20 automotive applications, versus eight just 10 years
ago.  Foamex has created an array of advanced polymer products, including
energy-absorbing foams for safety systems, acoustical foams and foams for
cushioning, seating, headliners, trim parts and door panels.
    For more information about Foamex, visit its web site at http://www.foamex.com.

SOURCE   Foamex International Inc.