Company News

April 15, 2019

BASF Continues MDI Expansion in Geismar

BASF to Launch Second Phase of MDI Production Facility in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. — Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards and BASF Senior Vice President Stefan Doerr announced the company will proceed with the second phase of its production expansion for methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, or MDI, at its Louisiana chemical complex in Geismar. BASF expects to double its production of MDI, from 300,000 metric tons to around 600,000 metric tons, through the multiphase expansion project announced in January 2018.

Details were shared in a press release.

MDI is used by industrial customers to produce polyurethanes, which contribute to improved insulation for appliances, lighter materials for cars and energy efficiency in buildings.

BASF will make an $87 million capital investment to continue the expansion of the MDI plant that has been a central aspect of its Geismar manufacturing facility for more than 30 years. The company committed $150 million to the first phase of the MDI expansion. That project is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2020. The second phase of the project will retain 1,238 existing BASF jobs at Geismar, the company’s largest manufacturing site in North America. Construction is expected to start by the end of 2019 with completion scheduled for 2021. The company estimates the project will support 170 construction jobs.

“BASF has called Louisiana home for more than 60 years, and this latest expansion at its Geismar plant will help to keep the company competitive in its global marketplace,” Gov. Edwards said. “From low operational costs to effective infrastructure and logistics, Louisiana provides industries across a broad spectrum of manufacturing specialties with the assets they need to succeed. We welcome this latest expansion at BASF’s Geismar facility and look forward to the continued economic impact of company operations for Ascension Parish and the Capital Region.”

BASF is a major player in the polyurethanes industry, operating a global production network of MDI facilities in China, South Korea, Belgium and the U.S.

“With the development of the American market, BASF needs this investment to support the growth of our existing customers,” said Doerr, head of BASF’s Regional Business Unit Monomers in North America. “The Geismar site is ideally suited for this investment thanks to the existing infrastructure, competitive raw materials and favorable business support from state and local governments. This investment also demonstrates our strong commitment to our employees, our community and our presence in Louisiana.”

Since 2009, BASF has invested more than $800 million in major capital projects in Ascension Parish. For this expansion project, the company is expected to utilize the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program.

“BASF continues to prove its commitment to our community and local workforce by investing and creating a partnership of long-term economic growth,” Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa said.

“Ascension Parish remains an ideal place for chemical manufacturing, and we are thrilled that BASF continues to choose the Geismar facility as a place to grow and thrive,” said President and CEO Kate MacArthur of the Ascension Economic Development Corp.

“Today’s expansion announcement is welcome news for the Capital Region, and speaks to BASF’s confidence in the future of our economy,” said President and CEO Adam Knapp of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “Strong partnerships from the local to state level are important in creating business friendly environments, and we commend our allies at Ascension Economic Development Corporation for assisting BASF through the process.”

http://www.bizneworleans.com/April-2019/BASF-To-Launch-Second-Phase-Of-MDI-Production-Facility-In-Louisiana/

 

April 15, 2019

Tempur-Pedic Cooling Technology

Tempur-Pedic Creates World’s First Mattress That Stays up to Eight Degrees Cooler Through the Night

|PR Newswire|About: TPX
PR NewswireLEXINGTON, Ky., April 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Tempur-Pedic, the brand synonymous with innovation in the mattress industry since 2012, is today unveiling the TEMPUR-breeze® mattress line, the first capable of keeping you cool from when you first get into bed, as you fall asleep, and throughout the night. Tempur-breeze® will help you feel up to 8 degrees cooler through the night.

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/871212/TP_PureCoolMax_Illustration_Feb19.jpg

“Sleeping cooler, and in particular, sleeping cooler throughout the night, is the number one unmet consumer need in the sleep industry — with more than 60% of Americans struggling with this problem — and the new TEMPUR-breeze is the only mattress line that truly addresses it,” said Rick Anderson, Tempur Sealy EVP and President, North America. “TEMPUR-breeze mattresses are a thermodynamic breakthrough that provide both unbeatable all-night cooling and maximum pressure relief for a deeper, more refreshing sleep.”

Tempur-Pedic’s thermal, material  and textile scientists — including ten cross functional teams across three continents — have spent more than ten years and 2.6 million hours on R&D in the industry’s most sophisticated Thermal Lab. Building on this commitment to innovation, the new TEMPUR-breeze mattress performs exceptionally at each layer — and for the first time in the industry — across the whole system. This coordination addresses temperature and humidity flux in the sleep microclimate during three separate phases of sleep:

  • When you lie down: The high molecular weight yarn in the SmartClimate® Dual Cover System delivers a cooling sensation up to 30 percent more intense than non-cooling models. Thermal effusivity tests—which measure heat absorption—confirm this cool-to-touch yarn absorbs heat throughout sleep, continually feeling cool as you roll over and adjust. With a washable, easy-to-remove cover that features a patent-pending 360-degree zipper system, cooling effects will not diminish.
  • As you fall asleep: At about 80°F, the molecules within TEMPUR-breeze’s most efficient Phase Change Material (PCM) to-date, PURECOOL+™, activate, shifting from a solid to a liquid to absorb massive amounts of heat. For the first time, Tempur-Pedic’s scientists successfully altered these proprietary molecules to deliver more phase change material, increasing its capacity to absorb heat by 2x compared to other PCM.
  • Staying cool all night: In an unprecedented engineering feat at a cellular level, TEMPUR-CM+™ comfort layer is up to 10x more porous to more effectively channel heat and humidity away from you all night long. For the first time, both phase change and climate materials are integrated into the bed’s top layer where they’re most effective.

Coolness and comfort in concert
TEMPUR-breeze delivers the highest performing cooling system and most advanced pressure-relieving material in one mattress. On a molecular level, the ability to combine Tempur-Pedic’s pressure relieving, adaptation and motion-isolating properties with open-cell foam material is an industry-first. Tempur-Pedic is the only brand to successfully engineer this into soft, medium and firm feel preferences.

Perfect temperature every time
From cover to core the TEMPUR-PRObreeze™ and TEMPUR-LUXEbreeze™ mattresses combine the best cooling performance and pressure relieving properties in Tempur-Pedic’s history.  The new TEMPUR-breeze line includes PRObreeze™, which features three-level cooling system and feels up to 3 degrees cooler through the night. It’s available in medium and medium hybrid and retails at a price point of $3,799 for queen-size.

The LUXEbreeze™ also includes the company’s most advanced pressure relieving material in a ventilated TEMPUR-APR® support layer, delivering even more breathability and cooling comfort for four-levels of cooling technology. As a result, it feels up to eight degrees cooler through the night. Available in soft and firm versions, the LUXEbreeze retails at $4,499 for queen-size.

About Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (TPX)
Tempur Sealy International, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets mattresses, foundations, pillows and other products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide through third party retailers, its own stores, and online. The Company’s brand portfolio includes many highly recognized brands in the industry, including Tempur®, Tempur-Pedic®, Sealy® featuring Posturepedic® Technology, and Stearns & Foster®. World headquarters for Tempur Sealy International is in Lexington, KY. For more information, visit http://www.tempursealy.com or call 800-805-3635.

https://seekingalpha.com/pr/17476376-tempur-pedic-creates-worlds-first-mattress-stays-eight-degrees-cooler-night

April 15, 2019

Tempur-Pedic Cooling Technology

Tempur-Pedic Creates World’s First Mattress That Stays up to Eight Degrees Cooler Through the Night

|PR Newswire|About: TPX
PR NewswireLEXINGTON, Ky., April 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Tempur-Pedic, the brand synonymous with innovation in the mattress industry since 2012, is today unveiling the TEMPUR-breeze® mattress line, the first capable of keeping you cool from when you first get into bed, as you fall asleep, and throughout the night. Tempur-breeze® will help you feel up to 8 degrees cooler through the night.

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/871212/TP_PureCoolMax_Illustration_Feb19.jpg

“Sleeping cooler, and in particular, sleeping cooler throughout the night, is the number one unmet consumer need in the sleep industry — with more than 60% of Americans struggling with this problem — and the new TEMPUR-breeze is the only mattress line that truly addresses it,” said Rick Anderson, Tempur Sealy EVP and President, North America. “TEMPUR-breeze mattresses are a thermodynamic breakthrough that provide both unbeatable all-night cooling and maximum pressure relief for a deeper, more refreshing sleep.”

Tempur-Pedic’s thermal, material  and textile scientists — including ten cross functional teams across three continents — have spent more than ten years and 2.6 million hours on R&D in the industry’s most sophisticated Thermal Lab. Building on this commitment to innovation, the new TEMPUR-breeze mattress performs exceptionally at each layer — and for the first time in the industry — across the whole system. This coordination addresses temperature and humidity flux in the sleep microclimate during three separate phases of sleep:

  • When you lie down: The high molecular weight yarn in the SmartClimate® Dual Cover System delivers a cooling sensation up to 30 percent more intense than non-cooling models. Thermal effusivity tests—which measure heat absorption—confirm this cool-to-touch yarn absorbs heat throughout sleep, continually feeling cool as you roll over and adjust. With a washable, easy-to-remove cover that features a patent-pending 360-degree zipper system, cooling effects will not diminish.
  • As you fall asleep: At about 80°F, the molecules within TEMPUR-breeze’s most efficient Phase Change Material (PCM) to-date, PURECOOL+™, activate, shifting from a solid to a liquid to absorb massive amounts of heat. For the first time, Tempur-Pedic’s scientists successfully altered these proprietary molecules to deliver more phase change material, increasing its capacity to absorb heat by 2x compared to other PCM.
  • Staying cool all night: In an unprecedented engineering feat at a cellular level, TEMPUR-CM+™ comfort layer is up to 10x more porous to more effectively channel heat and humidity away from you all night long. For the first time, both phase change and climate materials are integrated into the bed’s top layer where they’re most effective.

Coolness and comfort in concert
TEMPUR-breeze delivers the highest performing cooling system and most advanced pressure-relieving material in one mattress. On a molecular level, the ability to combine Tempur-Pedic’s pressure relieving, adaptation and motion-isolating properties with open-cell foam material is an industry-first. Tempur-Pedic is the only brand to successfully engineer this into soft, medium and firm feel preferences.

Perfect temperature every time
From cover to core the TEMPUR-PRObreeze™ and TEMPUR-LUXEbreeze™ mattresses combine the best cooling performance and pressure relieving properties in Tempur-Pedic’s history.  The new TEMPUR-breeze line includes PRObreeze™, which features three-level cooling system and feels up to 3 degrees cooler through the night. It’s available in medium and medium hybrid and retails at a price point of $3,799 for queen-size.

The LUXEbreeze™ also includes the company’s most advanced pressure relieving material in a ventilated TEMPUR-APR® support layer, delivering even more breathability and cooling comfort for four-levels of cooling technology. As a result, it feels up to eight degrees cooler through the night. Available in soft and firm versions, the LUXEbreeze retails at $4,499 for queen-size.

About Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (TPX)
Tempur Sealy International, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets mattresses, foundations, pillows and other products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide through third party retailers, its own stores, and online. The Company’s brand portfolio includes many highly recognized brands in the industry, including Tempur®, Tempur-Pedic®, Sealy® featuring Posturepedic® Technology, and Stearns & Foster®. World headquarters for Tempur Sealy International is in Lexington, KY. For more information, visit http://www.tempursealy.com or call 800-805-3635.

https://seekingalpha.com/pr/17476376-tempur-pedic-creates-worlds-first-mattress-stays-eight-degrees-cooler-night

April 10, 2019

Tempur Sealy Stock Higher Today

Tempur Sealy +8% after Mattress Firm CEO steps away

|About: Tempur Sealy Internationa… (TPX)|By: , SA News Editor

Tempur Sealy International (NYSE:TPX) is 8.44% higher in premarket action after Mattress Firm’s CEO steps down in an unanticipated move.

Both Piper Jaffray and Wedbush Securities have stated in early notes out this morning to clients that TPX could benefit if the new Mattress Firm boss looks to rekindle the strained relationship between the bedding players.

TPX has cruised right past its 52-week high in the premarket session.

https://seekingalpha.com/news/3449607-tempur-sealy-plus-8-percent-mattress-firm-ceo-steps-away#email_link

April 10, 2019

Tempur Sealy Stock Higher Today

Tempur Sealy +8% after Mattress Firm CEO steps away

|About: Tempur Sealy Internationa… (TPX)|By: , SA News Editor

Tempur Sealy International (NYSE:TPX) is 8.44% higher in premarket action after Mattress Firm’s CEO steps down in an unanticipated move.

Both Piper Jaffray and Wedbush Securities have stated in early notes out this morning to clients that TPX could benefit if the new Mattress Firm boss looks to rekindle the strained relationship between the bedding players.

TPX has cruised right past its 52-week high in the premarket session.

https://seekingalpha.com/news/3449607-tempur-sealy-plus-8-percent-mattress-firm-ceo-steps-away#email_link