Burnett acquires Flex Foam, expands Phoenix operations

BALTIMORE—Wm. T Burnett & Co. has acquired Arizona-based polyurethane open cell foam maker Flex Foam for an undisclosed price.

"The addition of Flex Foam ... marks an important milestone in the 137-year history of the company," Burnett CEO Richard Tucker said in a news release. "Like Burnett, Flex Foam was a family-owned business with which we share common values, including a commitment to provide the highest levels of quality and customer service. We look forward to building on our legacy of innovation in the polyurethane industry with broader reach in the Western U.S."

Flex Foam was founded in Phoenix in 1978 by Russ Cortright and his sons Mike and Steve. The company claims to be the state’s first PU foam manufacturer. Its products are used in bedding, furniture, packaging, carpet underlay, medical components, sports equipment and acoustic performance products.

David Cortright, Flex Foam’s general manager, will remain with the company. He will continue to oversee day-to-day operations.

"Joining the Burnett family is an exciting new chapter for everyone here at Flex Foam," Cortright said. "Our customers will benefit from access to Burnett’s extensive portfolio of technical polyether and polyester foams and nonwoven products."

The Burnett group already has a presence in Phoenix, which is home to one of its nonwovens plants. Burnett’s urethane foam division is headquartered in Jessup, Md., while the nonwovens division is based in Statesville, N.C.

Burnett President Greg Davis believes the Flex Foam acquisition will provide new avenues of growth for the company moving forward.

"We look forward to growing Flex Foam’s existing business and expanding our ability to produce specialty urethane foams in Phoenix that meet exacting technical specifications for use in a wide range of industries,’ he said. ‘Flex Foam brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that highly complements Burnett’s."