Latex Foam Products closes in on site choice

ANSONIA, Conn. (June 5)—Connecticut and the Southeast top Latex Foam Products Inc.'s list as the location for a new manufacturing facility to replace its old 284,000-sq.-ft. plant, which was destroyed by fire May 14. The company expects to make the site decision by the end of June, President and CEO Stephen S. Russo said. As the company moves to re-establish its manufacturing operation, it also has been dealing with its customers short-term supply product needs, Russo said. Shortly after the fire downed the firm's plant, Latex Foam Products executives flew to Europe and secured ample product from latex foam producers to allow the company to supply customers. Shipments are expected to arrive in the U.S. in about three weeks. The foam will be turned into products at a fabrication/distribution plant the company expects to have in operation on the East Coast within a month, he said. The facility will allow the firm to supply latex mattress cores to customers until the new plant is operational.