Accepting for ESCO were President Richard Hungerford, Jr. (holding award) with (l.t.r) Kelo Waivio, Stephen Hoffman, and John Slott. (Source: Everchem)
PFA: Highlights from the Fall Meeting
The Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA) recently concluded its fall meeting in Charlotte, NC USA, which spotlighted key regulatory issues and new technical developments. The two-day meeting on 3-4 November was attended by more than 130 executives from foam manufacturers, chemical suppliers, and other companies supporting the industry. This marked a return to a full live-meeting format after COVID-19 restrictions required PFA to cancel past meetings or conduct them primarily online. Attendees saw presentations on key industry issues including supply chain challenges, recycling, regulations, and end-user market forecasting.
The Technical Program featured presentations on innovations and best practices on topics ranging from new mold release agents and additives to reduce foam compression set, to plant safety, new equipment, and new additives for improved foam production.
PFA Hall of Fame
As part of its 40th Anniversary celebration, PFA also recognized one manufacturer and one individual for induction into the Flexible Polyurethane Foam Hall Of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established to honor the leaders and innovators of the industry. It serves as an information source for future industry members and researchers regarding the contribution of individuals and companies who have significantly contributed to the growth and betterment of the flexible polyurethane foam industry in North America.
The two 2021 inductees were Edge-Sweets Company (ESCO) and James T. McIntyre, Jr. ESCO produces machines for cutting and processing polyurethane foams. With its engineer-to-order approach, ESCO’s is unique in its abilities to meet customers’ requirements using modern manufacturing technologies, 3D modeling software and finite element analysis. The company is the product of a merger between The Edge Company of Grand Rapids, MI and the Martin Sweets Company of Louisville, KY. The company has manufactured products for industries including furniture and upholstery, bedding, packaging, industrial insulation, oil and gas, building and construction, automotive, marine, medical, defense, mining, and aerospace.
2021 Flexible Polyurethane Foam Hall of Fame Inductees, James T. McIntyre (r.), with PFA President Chip Holton of NCFI Polyurethanes. (Source: Everchem)
“ESCO has long been a supporter of PFA and the flexible foam industry,” said Chip Holton of NCFI Polyurethanes, PFA’s President. “ESCO’s efforts in innovation, customer service, and education made the company a more-than-worthy candidate to join other great manufacturers in the Flexible Polyurethane Foam Hall of Fame.”
James McIntyre, Jr. of the McIntyre & Lemon Law Firm in Washington, DC, has served as PFA’s Legal Counsel from the beginning of the association. Prior to his private law practice, he served in the Cabinet of President Jimmy Carter as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. He also served as Director of the Office of Planning and Budget for the State of Georgia. President Reagan appointed him to his Commission on Privatization. McIntyre has helped guide the flexible polyurethane foam industry through a variety of regulatory challenges through his four decades of service, providing PFA members with consistent, insightful legal representation. “It is safe to say that the flexible foam industry would look a lot different today without the efforts of Jim McIntyre,” said Holton.
Mark McBride and Willie Wesley III of BASF won the Dr. Herman Stone Technical Excellence Award, as their presentation, “Recent Advances In Flexible Foam,” was voted best by those attending the Technical Program. “After four decades in this industry, I am still impressed by the level of innovation that continues in flexible polyurethane foam,” noted Bill Gollnitz, Past President of PFA and Moderator for the Technical Program. “Congratulations to Mark and Wesley - and to our other presenters - for exceptional work.”
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The Polyurethane Foam Association is a trade association founded in 1980 to help educate foam users, allied industries and other stakeholders. PFA provides facts on environmental, health and safety issues and technical information on the performance of flexible polyurethane foam in consumer and industrial products. |
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