Leading polyurethane products company Recticel (Av. Des Pleiades 15, B-1200 Bruxelles) has entered into a strategic alliance with the North American company Foamex International to design, manufacture and market polyurethane products for the automotive industry. The two companies have already worked together since 1992, on the development of Variable Pressure Foaming (VPF) technology. This new arrangement will enable the companies to offer their automotive customers the products of both companies on a global scale. These include roll goods (e.g. polyurethane used for lamination), energy-absorbing foams, foams for headliners and surface modified acoustic foam components for automotive carpet systems.

Recticel has expanded its automotive business in Western and Eastern Europe during the last few years, in line with the activities of the major European car manufacturers. Its production plants are strategically located to provide just-in-time delivery to the car makers' assembly plants. 1995 sales for its Automotive Business Line were BEF 5.5bn.

Foamex is the leading North American automotive foam manufacturer with 1995 revenues of USD 219.2m for this sector. It also manufactures foams for carpet products, furniture, bedding, packaging and health care.