ARCHDALE, N.C. (July 25) — Bedding manufacturer Sealy Corp. is building a latex foam factory in Mountaintop, Pa., to support its growth in the high-end bedding segment.
Sealy expects to begin production at the 210,000-sq.-ft. plant in the first quarter of 2007, creating about 100 jobs. The investment was not disclosed.
"The speciality bedding segment represents an enormous opportunity to expand our business," said David McIlquham, Sealy chairman and CEO.
The company said it will employ lean manufacturing techniques in the design and operation of the plant, which is located about 30 miles from a components plant in Delano, Pa., creating an opportunity to enhance efficiency at both facilities.
The new plant also will make foam-encased innersprings for the firm´s Stearns & Foster luxury brand.
The company also launched two 100-percent latex products — the Posturepedic SpringFree II range and a more up-market Stearns & Foster Tropical Oasis range.
Sealy claims to be the largest bedding maker in the world with sales of nearly $1.5 billion in 2005. It makes and markets under the Sealy, Sealy Posturepedic, Stearns & Foster and Basset brands.