The Woodbridge Group Formed Plastics Division Planning to Expand its Particle Foam Operations in Europe

Detroit, MI, January 16, 2014 – The Formed Plastics division of The Woodbridge Group® is proud to announce its intent to expand their particle foam operations in Germany. This automotive solutions provider, supplies products including: cargo storage, seat frames, occupant safety, acoustical (NVH) solutions and protective packaging. Woodbridge along with its joint venture partners currently operates particle foam manufacturing facilities in Canada, USA, Mexico and France. As a joint venture partner, Woodbridge, operating as Proseat, also has an EPP development center and manufacturing capabilities in Europe.

Leading OEMs continue to look to particle foams, also known as bead foams, such as expanded polypropylene (EPP) to decrease weight and enhance functionality within the vehicle interior. Woodbridge currently supplies many vehicles built by several OEMs, who are leveraging the advantages of EPP. Material properties such as: low weight, structural capabilities, energy management and acoustic benefits, make particle foams a winning material in today’s vehicles. In fact, a new application for polypropylene, an innovative center console developed for BMW, was recognized at the last SPE Award ceremony.

John Zianis, Vice President Formed Plastics, The Woodbridge Group, stated at the North American International Auto Show, “Woodbridge has been in Europe supplying EPP components for over 10 years, initially working with partners in Germany and Spain. Our plans for a new facility in Germany will help us to continue to strengthen our relationships with OEM and Tier 1 customers, requiring EPP support for global platforms built in Europe. The case is now very strong for us to have a more significant presence there. Formed Plastics looks forward to growing in Europe with Proseat, to better position Woodbridge as a global market leader in automotive bead foam solutions.”

With a strong commitment to expertise in particle foam technologies, Woodbridge Formed Plastics aims to continue delivering customer satisfaction, from initial concept, to design and engineering, through to mass production.

The Woodbridge Group® and its partners in The World Polyurethane Alliance™ operate 60 facilities in 17 countries, as global leaders in the development and production of polyurethane and expanded polypropylene products. Automotive applications include components for seating, structural support, interior soft trim products, headliner systems, cargo management solutions, and engineered products for occupant protection and acoustical management. Woodbridge also offers contract assembly and sequencing and supply chain management, as well as a full range of value-added services including engineering and design. For more information, please visit www.woodbridgegroup.com

® are registered trademarks and TM are trademarks which are either owned or used under license by Woodbridge Foam Corporation.

Contact:
Ghazwan Taka
Senior Product and Technical Manager, Formed Plastics Business Unit
The Woodbridge Group
1-248-280-6573
Ghazwan_Taka@woodbridgegroup.com