01.01.05
Location: Hampton, NH
Sales: $157 million
Description: Key Personnel
Stephen Foss, president and CEO, David Rowell, executive vice president and COO, (New CFO to be named shortly.)
Plants
Hampton, NH; Pulversheim, France
ISO Status
All businesses are both QS 9000 and ISO 9001 certified and are close to ISO 14,000 (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; SoleMates: Enviromat; Geomat; FossFibre; FossFelt, Stratos; Whispertex; Masterwear; FossForm; Kunin Felt; Rainbow Felt; Confetti Felt: Kreative Kanvas; Fosscloth; Softherm; Fossdust; Fossflow; Ozite; Elevations: Showtime; Safari Felt; Wonderflex; Glitterfelt; Fluorescent Felt; Fosshape; Fisipe Acrylic Fibers; TopGuard; RAY-sist (endurance fibers); Lane House Collection; Signature
Major Markets
Specialty synthetic fiber (solution died PET, bicomponent fibers, antimicrobial fibers, fire-retardant fibers, acrylic fiber); automotives (headliners, package trays, floor carpets, trim fabrics); decorative (wall coverings, marine, RV, speaker coverings), retail (craft, auto-aftermarket); technical (vinyl substrate, filtration, healthcare, car wash, home and garden)
By continuing to identify new applications for nonwovens and develop more and more specialty fibers for the automotive, aircraft and furniture markets, privately held Foss Manufacturing, Hampton, NH, has been able to identify new markets and remain competitive. “Technology is critical, and we have some phenomenal new technologies in the performance fibers area, including improved fire retardant and mold resistant fibers,” said company president Stephen Foss. “Our expanding application of Fosshield continues to set us apart from other manufacturers.”
Fosshield technology includes a wide range of antimicrobial fibers and fabrics produced with all natural silver, one of the oldest antimicrobial agents proven effective against more than 650 strains of bacteria. This technology, as well as other innovative fiber varieties, is helping Foss’ needlepunch nonwovens target a broad new range of markets. These technical markets enhance Foss’ traditional businesses, which include automotive, technical, and decorative.
“We believe in pursuing non-traditional market spaces, as well as focusing on multiple industries to grow our diversified customer base,” Mr. Foss added. “We have strong relationships in the automotive, aircraft, RV, marine and outdoor furniture markets, and Foss continues to develop high-quality, cost effective fibers that fulfill specific needs for these industries. For example, we are always working to create new nonwovens for automotive seating and door inserts, lightweight commercial aircraft carpet and moldable products for the automotive and RV industries.”
Much of Foss’ success in both traditional and newer markets can be attributed to its focus on strong customer relations. By working with customers to develop, design and produce custom-made products, Foss has been able to develop a number of creative nonwovens that replace competing materials. “We are especially pleased with work being done within the auto industry, with several clients enlisting us for creative solutions. Examples include nonwovens that replace leather, vinyl, wovens and knits for automotive seating and door panels,” Mr. Foss said.
Foss is able to achieve this success thanks to its drive toward technology and innovation rather than commodities, a situation that has also allowed it to remain strong in the U.S. Additionally, an ability to manage resources and optimize quality control allows for a level of cost effectiveness that keeps the business strong.
Immediate interests include completing bioefficacy tests and obtaining the necessary certifications for Fosshield CS, Foss’ most advanced antimicrobial technology. This technology uses a combination of copper, silver and zinc as the active ingredients and has proven to be extremely powerful against a broad spectrum of bacteria, mold, fungus and mildew. Fosshield CS will be applicable in almost every market Foss serves including automotive, marine, bedding, apparel, and furniture.
Additionally, the company has developed a PCT fiber, which is based on modified polyester and has proven to be exceptionally effective for filtration at high temperatures. It is also resistant to hydrolysis degradation which significantly increases the lifecycle of a filter media. From an end use standpoint, Foss is working on providing filtration solutions for drinking water, the healthcare industry, food processing and aviation fuel.
Geographically, Foss produces needlepunch nonwovens in Hampton, NH and Pulversheim, France. Known as Foss Manufacturing Europe, the Pulversheim facility was constructed in spring 2001 to better serve Foss’ international customers. Now capable of producing 6000 square meters of nonwovens per year, the facility will be doubled in size in the near term, according to executives. “Foss Manufacturing Europe continues to perform well and is considered a key element to the company’s success, serving many Tier 1 and 2 integrators,” Mr. Foss said. “Foss is also seeing some great programs in Europe with its new lightweight nonwoven aircraft carpet.”
Beyond North America and Europe, Australia remains a solid market for Foss, particularly in the automotive and decorative fields. While the company currently has a distribution center in Sydney and considers the market a solid extension for many of its product uses, Foss has no plans to establish a manufacturing base on the continent.
“We aim to serve our customers worldwide, wherever they may be. We find that we are able to promptly meet most demands from our U.S. and European facilities,” Mr. Foss said. “Internationally, we are also seeing some great growth for our Fosshield fibers through our partnership with Invista in the performance apparel and sock markets.”
Foss’ Performance Fibers group and its nonwovens business continue to complement one another as new fibers provide the company with the ability to create new, innovative nonwovens. For instance, Fosshield, Foss’ antimicrobial fiber, is growing rapidly, especially in the areas of air filtration, water filtration, home textiles, and apparel. Additionally, Foss’ new partnership with Portuguese acrylic manufacturer Fisipe makes it a one-stop-shop in a consolidated industry looking for acrylic fiber options.
Foss executives expect that new markets will continue to be born out of its fiber business. “There is always room for innovation, but it is dependent on having new raw materials to work from,” Mr. Foss said. “That is why we are continuously working to develop and perfect innovative fibers in our company—our Performance Fibers group is diligently focused on providing new technologies both for our own nonwovens and for our customers in the open market.”
Sales: $157 million
Description: Key Personnel
Stephen Foss, president and CEO, David Rowell, executive vice president and COO, (New CFO to be named shortly.)
Plants
Hampton, NH; Pulversheim, France
ISO Status
All businesses are both QS 9000 and ISO 9001 certified and are close to ISO 14,000 (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; SoleMates: Enviromat; Geomat; FossFibre; FossFelt, Stratos; Whispertex; Masterwear; FossForm; Kunin Felt; Rainbow Felt; Confetti Felt: Kreative Kanvas; Fosscloth; Softherm; Fossdust; Fossflow; Ozite; Elevations: Showtime; Safari Felt; Wonderflex; Glitterfelt; Fluorescent Felt; Fosshape; Fisipe Acrylic Fibers; TopGuard; RAY-sist (endurance fibers); Lane House Collection; Signature
Major Markets
Specialty synthetic fiber (solution died PET, bicomponent fibers, antimicrobial fibers, fire-retardant fibers, acrylic fiber); automotives (headliners, package trays, floor carpets, trim fabrics); decorative (wall coverings, marine, RV, speaker coverings), retail (craft, auto-aftermarket); technical (vinyl substrate, filtration, healthcare, car wash, home and garden)
By continuing to identify new applications for nonwovens and develop more and more specialty fibers for the automotive, aircraft and furniture markets, privately held Foss Manufacturing, Hampton, NH, has been able to identify new markets and remain competitive. “Technology is critical, and we have some phenomenal new technologies in the performance fibers area, including improved fire retardant and mold resistant fibers,” said company president Stephen Foss. “Our expanding application of Fosshield continues to set us apart from other manufacturers.”
Fosshield technology includes a wide range of antimicrobial fibers and fabrics produced with all natural silver, one of the oldest antimicrobial agents proven effective against more than 650 strains of bacteria. This technology, as well as other innovative fiber varieties, is helping Foss’ needlepunch nonwovens target a broad new range of markets. These technical markets enhance Foss’ traditional businesses, which include automotive, technical, and decorative.
“We believe in pursuing non-traditional market spaces, as well as focusing on multiple industries to grow our diversified customer base,” Mr. Foss added. “We have strong relationships in the automotive, aircraft, RV, marine and outdoor furniture markets, and Foss continues to develop high-quality, cost effective fibers that fulfill specific needs for these industries. For example, we are always working to create new nonwovens for automotive seating and door inserts, lightweight commercial aircraft carpet and moldable products for the automotive and RV industries.”
Much of Foss’ success in both traditional and newer markets can be attributed to its focus on strong customer relations. By working with customers to develop, design and produce custom-made products, Foss has been able to develop a number of creative nonwovens that replace competing materials. “We are especially pleased with work being done within the auto industry, with several clients enlisting us for creative solutions. Examples include nonwovens that replace leather, vinyl, wovens and knits for automotive seating and door panels,” Mr. Foss said.
Foss is able to achieve this success thanks to its drive toward technology and innovation rather than commodities, a situation that has also allowed it to remain strong in the U.S. Additionally, an ability to manage resources and optimize quality control allows for a level of cost effectiveness that keeps the business strong.
Immediate interests include completing bioefficacy tests and obtaining the necessary certifications for Fosshield CS, Foss’ most advanced antimicrobial technology. This technology uses a combination of copper, silver and zinc as the active ingredients and has proven to be extremely powerful against a broad spectrum of bacteria, mold, fungus and mildew. Fosshield CS will be applicable in almost every market Foss serves including automotive, marine, bedding, apparel, and furniture.
Additionally, the company has developed a PCT fiber, which is based on modified polyester and has proven to be exceptionally effective for filtration at high temperatures. It is also resistant to hydrolysis degradation which significantly increases the lifecycle of a filter media. From an end use standpoint, Foss is working on providing filtration solutions for drinking water, the healthcare industry, food processing and aviation fuel.
Geographically, Foss produces needlepunch nonwovens in Hampton, NH and Pulversheim, France. Known as Foss Manufacturing Europe, the Pulversheim facility was constructed in spring 2001 to better serve Foss’ international customers. Now capable of producing 6000 square meters of nonwovens per year, the facility will be doubled in size in the near term, according to executives. “Foss Manufacturing Europe continues to perform well and is considered a key element to the company’s success, serving many Tier 1 and 2 integrators,” Mr. Foss said. “Foss is also seeing some great programs in Europe with its new lightweight nonwoven aircraft carpet.”
Beyond North America and Europe, Australia remains a solid market for Foss, particularly in the automotive and decorative fields. While the company currently has a distribution center in Sydney and considers the market a solid extension for many of its product uses, Foss has no plans to establish a manufacturing base on the continent.
“We aim to serve our customers worldwide, wherever they may be. We find that we are able to promptly meet most demands from our U.S. and European facilities,” Mr. Foss said. “Internationally, we are also seeing some great growth for our Fosshield fibers through our partnership with Invista in the performance apparel and sock markets.”
Foss’ Performance Fibers group and its nonwovens business continue to complement one another as new fibers provide the company with the ability to create new, innovative nonwovens. For instance, Fosshield, Foss’ antimicrobial fiber, is growing rapidly, especially in the areas of air filtration, water filtration, home textiles, and apparel. Additionally, Foss’ new partnership with Portuguese acrylic manufacturer Fisipe makes it a one-stop-shop in a consolidated industry looking for acrylic fiber options.
Foss executives expect that new markets will continue to be born out of its fiber business. “There is always room for innovation, but it is dependent on having new raw materials to work from,” Mr. Foss said. “That is why we are continuously working to develop and perfect innovative fibers in our company—our Performance Fibers group is diligently focused on providing new technologies both for our own nonwovens and for our customers in the open market.”