01.01.04
Location: Hampton, NH
Sales: $157 MILLION
Description: Key Personnel
Stephen Foss, president and CEO; David Rowell, executive vice president and COO; Kevin Sexton, Senior Vice President and CFO
Plants
Hampton, New Hampshire, Pulversheim, France
ISO Status
All businesses are both QS 9000 and ISO 9001 certified and are close to ISO 14,000 certification (environmental registration based on efforts to reduce emissions, solid waste and waste water)
Processes
Polyester, polypropylene and specialty fiber spinning, needlepunch, extrusion, post finishing, die cutting, embossing
Brand Names
Foss; Fosshield Antimicrobial Technologies; FossFibre FRF (fire retardant fiber); FossFibre; SoleMates; Enviromat; Geomat; FossFelt; Stratos; Whispertex; Masterwear; FossForm; Kunin Felt; Lane House Collection; Rainbow Felt; Confetti Felt; Kreative Kanvas; Fosscloth; Softherm; Fossdust; Fossflow; Ozite; Premier; Regal; Elevations; Showtime; Safari Felt; Wonderflex; Glitterfelt; Flourescent Felt; Fosshape
Remaining focused on niche markets and performance for its customers has been key to Foss Manufacturing Company’s continued growth and success during the past 50 years. Foss’ expertise in developing innovative and cost-effective solutions for customers, coupled with the company’s steadfast commitment to growing the businesses of its customers has been critical to Foss’ ability to thrive, even when the industry has faced downturns.
Headquartered in Hampton, NH, Foss specializes in the research and innovation of specialty synthetic fibers and nonwoven fabrics, with particular expertise in needlepunched nonwovens. With facilities in North America, Europe and Australia, Foss is a major supplier to the automotive, technical, decorative, and retail industries worldwide.
Foss’ product mix is continuously evolving to reflect the ever-changing needs of its customers. Executives at Foss claim that their approach to the market as an integrated team—automotive, fiber, consumer products, and technical groups—brings a unique perspective as each team member is able to explore and understand the activities and markets of those who work in each different division. New concepts developed in one group can often be leveraged across others, creating new and necessary products for various end users and economies.
“Foss’ success is a direct result of our continued innovation and focus on unique and specialized solutions. We strive to be one step ahead of our customers, anticipating needs and continuously developing new products, programs and solutions to meet those needs,” explained company president Stephen Foss. “It is this insight into the businesses of our customers, as well as our demonstrated strength in innovation, that keeps our customers coming back and keeps us at the leading edge in this competitive global environment.”
A recent example of Foss innovation is its creation of a synthetic fiber that effectively guards against more than 650 strains of harmful bacteria, yeast, fungi and mold. The company’s Fosshield Antimicrobial Technology is the umbrella brand name for a suite of antimicrobial products from Foss and its strategic partners. Products incorporating Fosshield safely and effectively guard against the growth of odor-causing and destructive bacteria.
From cleaning wipes to filtration systems to surgical scrubs, Foss and its partners are developing numerous types of products with Fosshield for the decorative, automotive, footwear, technical and retail industries. The process incorporates silver antimicrobial additives throughout the bicomponent and binder fibers of fabrics. Fosshield’s design allows the continual slow release of silver, resulting in a fabric that maintains the efficacy of its antimicrobial protection for the longevity of the product, even after multiple launderings. The product’s patent also covers other antimicrobial additives such as copper, tin and zinc.
“Fosshield Technology represents the most significant advance in antimicrobial fibers in the past decade,” explained Mr. Foss. “Our research and development team has done a remarkable job, and we look forward to nearly limitless applications for Fosshield.”
Other areas of new growth include the fire-retardant FossFibre FRF and the Premier and Regal lines (high-quality materials for the exhibit and display/trade show markets) and a new line of patented, moldable, recyclable, automotive acoustical products.
Foss executives believe diversification is the company's hallmark and the key to withstanding the ebb and flow of today’s global economy. The company views the global market for needlepunch nonwovens—Foss’ long-time staple process— as plagued by overcapacity. Critical to the company’s growth in the future will be its continued creation of unique fibers that can open up new global markets with new products.
Internationally, Foss Manufacturing Europe, based in Pulversheim, France, is seen as a key element to the company’s success, providing a worldwide presence for customers. For example, when a major retailer and important Foss partner expanded to Europe, Foss was available as an immediate provider of products. Foss Manufacturing Europe continues to be successful and has recently introduced a number of new product lines.
The company is also continuing to develop international opportunities in Australia, particularly in the automotive and decorative markets, with an eye on fast turnaround to meet automotive developments. One important product currently under development is a recyclable, underhood absorber for the new Ford Territory. It replaces fiberglass—a material many automotive workers no longer wish to use—and can withstand the severe environmental conditions of the Australian Outback. Foss currently operates a distribution facility in Sydney, and in addition to a Australian and European presence, company executives have expressed an interest in the Asia-Pacific region as a potential spot for future operations.
Foss is remaining focused on continued development of new specialty fibers in order to further diversify from needlepunched production. Examples of these offerings are the Fosshield fiber and the fire retardant FossFibre FRF, as well as color-matching capabilities for solution-dyed fibers. The FossFiber FRF provides unmatched fire retardancy without harmful, undesirable chemicals. Also in development are flame barrier nonwovens for a wide variety of industries, including the bedding market.
The fibers and fabrics have passed the 701 Vertical Burn test as well as the new flammability standards in California. In anticipation of these new standards becoming law throughout the country, mattress manufacturers have revolutionized entire product lines so that all mattresses are compliant, not just those destined for California. This has been good for Foss’ business as many of these manufacturers are using FossFibre FRF in all of their newly compliant mattresses and components.
The fibers and fabrics being produced by Foss have been tested and approved in various applications for the TB603 burn test and products are also being developed to comply with the upcoming TB604 protocol which applies to top-of-bed products such as pillows, comforters and mattress pads.
Other Foss developments include the launch of the Lane House Collection through its Kunin Group, which offers new fabrics for the home decorative market. Also, the Premier and Regal lines have been introduced to the trade show market through the company’s umbrella brand Ozite.
Additional patents are pending to cover various innovative antimicrobial resistant applications of Fosshield, including mattress pads, bed linens, pillows, hospital scrubs, wound care products, air and water filters, automotive upholstery, wall coverings, athletic and intimate apparel and shoe insoles. Executives said that new research with Fosshield shows the potential to eliminate the food source for dust mites, thus opening the door to further possibilities for Fosshield.
Foss is particularly excited about some of its new partnerships, including one with Invista (formerly DuPont Textiles and Interiors) which will help foster Foss’ expansion into important new markets. The company will maintain its leadership role as an innovator of specialty fibers and nonwoven fabrics by continuing to focus on new, innovative and cost-effective products and partnerships that grow the businesses of its customers, Mr. Foss predicted.
Sales: $157 MILLION
Description: Key Personnel
Stephen Foss, president and CEO; David Rowell, executive vice president and COO; Kevin Sexton, Senior Vice President and CFO
Plants
Hampton, New Hampshire, Pulversheim, France
ISO Status
All businesses are both QS 9000 and ISO 9001 certified and are close to ISO 14,000 certification (environmental registration based on efforts to reduce emissions, solid waste and waste water)
Processes
Polyester, polypropylene and specialty fiber spinning, needlepunch, extrusion, post finishing, die cutting, embossing
Brand Names
Foss; Fosshield Antimicrobial Technologies; FossFibre FRF (fire retardant fiber); FossFibre; SoleMates; Enviromat; Geomat; FossFelt; Stratos; Whispertex; Masterwear; FossForm; Kunin Felt; Lane House Collection; Rainbow Felt; Confetti Felt; Kreative Kanvas; Fosscloth; Softherm; Fossdust; Fossflow; Ozite; Premier; Regal; Elevations; Showtime; Safari Felt; Wonderflex; Glitterfelt; Flourescent Felt; Fosshape
Remaining focused on niche markets and performance for its customers has been key to Foss Manufacturing Company’s continued growth and success during the past 50 years. Foss’ expertise in developing innovative and cost-effective solutions for customers, coupled with the company’s steadfast commitment to growing the businesses of its customers has been critical to Foss’ ability to thrive, even when the industry has faced downturns.
Headquartered in Hampton, NH, Foss specializes in the research and innovation of specialty synthetic fibers and nonwoven fabrics, with particular expertise in needlepunched nonwovens. With facilities in North America, Europe and Australia, Foss is a major supplier to the automotive, technical, decorative, and retail industries worldwide.
Foss’ product mix is continuously evolving to reflect the ever-changing needs of its customers. Executives at Foss claim that their approach to the market as an integrated team—automotive, fiber, consumer products, and technical groups—brings a unique perspective as each team member is able to explore and understand the activities and markets of those who work in each different division. New concepts developed in one group can often be leveraged across others, creating new and necessary products for various end users and economies.
“Foss’ success is a direct result of our continued innovation and focus on unique and specialized solutions. We strive to be one step ahead of our customers, anticipating needs and continuously developing new products, programs and solutions to meet those needs,” explained company president Stephen Foss. “It is this insight into the businesses of our customers, as well as our demonstrated strength in innovation, that keeps our customers coming back and keeps us at the leading edge in this competitive global environment.”
A recent example of Foss innovation is its creation of a synthetic fiber that effectively guards against more than 650 strains of harmful bacteria, yeast, fungi and mold. The company’s Fosshield Antimicrobial Technology is the umbrella brand name for a suite of antimicrobial products from Foss and its strategic partners. Products incorporating Fosshield safely and effectively guard against the growth of odor-causing and destructive bacteria.
From cleaning wipes to filtration systems to surgical scrubs, Foss and its partners are developing numerous types of products with Fosshield for the decorative, automotive, footwear, technical and retail industries. The process incorporates silver antimicrobial additives throughout the bicomponent and binder fibers of fabrics. Fosshield’s design allows the continual slow release of silver, resulting in a fabric that maintains the efficacy of its antimicrobial protection for the longevity of the product, even after multiple launderings. The product’s patent also covers other antimicrobial additives such as copper, tin and zinc.
“Fosshield Technology represents the most significant advance in antimicrobial fibers in the past decade,” explained Mr. Foss. “Our research and development team has done a remarkable job, and we look forward to nearly limitless applications for Fosshield.”
Other areas of new growth include the fire-retardant FossFibre FRF and the Premier and Regal lines (high-quality materials for the exhibit and display/trade show markets) and a new line of patented, moldable, recyclable, automotive acoustical products.
Foss executives believe diversification is the company's hallmark and the key to withstanding the ebb and flow of today’s global economy. The company views the global market for needlepunch nonwovens—Foss’ long-time staple process— as plagued by overcapacity. Critical to the company’s growth in the future will be its continued creation of unique fibers that can open up new global markets with new products.
Internationally, Foss Manufacturing Europe, based in Pulversheim, France, is seen as a key element to the company’s success, providing a worldwide presence for customers. For example, when a major retailer and important Foss partner expanded to Europe, Foss was available as an immediate provider of products. Foss Manufacturing Europe continues to be successful and has recently introduced a number of new product lines.
The company is also continuing to develop international opportunities in Australia, particularly in the automotive and decorative markets, with an eye on fast turnaround to meet automotive developments. One important product currently under development is a recyclable, underhood absorber for the new Ford Territory. It replaces fiberglass—a material many automotive workers no longer wish to use—and can withstand the severe environmental conditions of the Australian Outback. Foss currently operates a distribution facility in Sydney, and in addition to a Australian and European presence, company executives have expressed an interest in the Asia-Pacific region as a potential spot for future operations.
Foss is remaining focused on continued development of new specialty fibers in order to further diversify from needlepunched production. Examples of these offerings are the Fosshield fiber and the fire retardant FossFibre FRF, as well as color-matching capabilities for solution-dyed fibers. The FossFiber FRF provides unmatched fire retardancy without harmful, undesirable chemicals. Also in development are flame barrier nonwovens for a wide variety of industries, including the bedding market.
The fibers and fabrics have passed the 701 Vertical Burn test as well as the new flammability standards in California. In anticipation of these new standards becoming law throughout the country, mattress manufacturers have revolutionized entire product lines so that all mattresses are compliant, not just those destined for California. This has been good for Foss’ business as many of these manufacturers are using FossFibre FRF in all of their newly compliant mattresses and components.
The fibers and fabrics being produced by Foss have been tested and approved in various applications for the TB603 burn test and products are also being developed to comply with the upcoming TB604 protocol which applies to top-of-bed products such as pillows, comforters and mattress pads.
Other Foss developments include the launch of the Lane House Collection through its Kunin Group, which offers new fabrics for the home decorative market. Also, the Premier and Regal lines have been introduced to the trade show market through the company’s umbrella brand Ozite.
Additional patents are pending to cover various innovative antimicrobial resistant applications of Fosshield, including mattress pads, bed linens, pillows, hospital scrubs, wound care products, air and water filters, automotive upholstery, wall coverings, athletic and intimate apparel and shoe insoles. Executives said that new research with Fosshield shows the potential to eliminate the food source for dust mites, thus opening the door to further possibilities for Fosshield.
Foss is particularly excited about some of its new partnerships, including one with Invista (formerly DuPont Textiles and Interiors) which will help foster Foss’ expansion into important new markets. The company will maintain its leadership role as an innovator of specialty fibers and nonwoven fabrics by continuing to focus on new, innovative and cost-effective products and partnerships that grow the businesses of its customers, Mr. Foss predicted.