Latex Foam factory wins kudos for technology use
By David Perry -- Furniture Today, June 2, 2003
Shelton, Conn. — Latex Foam International, the world's largest manufacturer of Talalay latex foam pillows and North America's leading supplier of latex mattress components, was recently featured in BusinessWeek, an international business publication with a circulation exceeding 1 million copies.
The article, titled "The Flexible Factory," featured U.S. companies that lean heavily on technology to stay competitive with offshore rivals.
Latex Foam International recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the grand opening of its $35 million, state-of-the-art, automated manufacturing facility here. The plant, which showcases Siemens' Totally Integrated Automation system and ABB's advanced robotics, uses a sophisticated computer control system to generate gains in quality. LFI is able to monitor and track every mattress core and pillow during the Talalay manufacturing process from their beginnings as a compound latex mix through the molding, washing and curing process as well as the final quality testing stage.
"We are excited that such a prestigious publication like BusinessWeek chose LFI," said Stephen Russo, president and CEO, Latex Foam International. "Latex foam is fast becoming a mattress component of choice, and our pillows have gained significant shelf space in the major home goods retailers. Our investment in technology, combined with the talents of our people, has enabled LFI to set the world standard for latex mattress and pillow quality.
"Our gains in efficiency and flexibility and our increase in capacity have enabled us to better serve our global customer base."
LFI was featured in the May 5 issue of BusinessWeek.
