Leggett & Platt buys Cape Foamex plant

The recent purchase of the Foamex plant on Nash Road shouldn't alarm the employees, according to buyer Leggett & Platt. If anything, its leaders said, it will eventually mean expansion.

"One thing employees have to look forward to is job security," said Larry Heppe, president of the L&P's urethane division in Texas.

When asked about the potential job losses, Heppe said, "Absolutely not. We do not anticipate any layoffs. In fact, once we go through the transition period, we're hopeful we can expand the business."

Foamex International Inc., a maker of foam products, sold its rubber and felt carpet cushion businesses to Leggett & Platt, including the Cape Girardeau rubber manufacturing facility, for $38.5 million.

Foamex intends to use the proceeds of the transaction to pay down debt, according to recent wire reports. Tom Chorman, president and CEO of Foamex, said in a statement that the businesses were a relatively small component of the company's overall portfolio and not a part of its core urethane operations.

But Heppe said that the company considers the Cape Girardeau plant a good supplement for Leggett & Platt, a diversified manufacturer based in Carthage, Mo.

"My division, the urethane division, is comprised of over 20 plants," he said. "The Cape Girardeau plant will be a very viable part of Leggett & Platt."

Heppe said he couldn't discuss any possible expansions until after the transition.

Rosalie Archer, human resources manager at the Cape Girardeau plant, said they have seen few changes, other than a new sign and the way they answer the phone. The local plant has about 60 employees.

smoyers@semissourian.com

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