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November 17, 2025
PFA Austin Meeting Highlights
Polyurethane Foam Association Austin Meeting Tackles Industry Issues, Shares Technical Advances
Heller And Knaub Recognized With Lifetime Achievement Awards; Econic Technologies Wins Dr. Herman T. Stone Technical Excellence Awards
Austin, TX (November 14, 2025)—Members and guests of The Polyurethane Foam Association gathered in Austin, TX recently for its annual Fall meeting to discuss the current business environment and other factors affecting the flexible polyurethane foam industry.
More than 140 industry professionals, including C-suite executives, researchers, EHS specialists, marketers, and technologists came to the Omni in Downtown Austin for networking and presentations on foam sustainability, market trends, and the regulatory environment.
“Now, more than ever, it’s important for our industry to share the knowledge uncovered by the work of our members and staff,” noted Dr. Philippe Knaub, PFA President. “An old Chinese curse says, ‘may you live in interesting times.’ We are certainly in interesting times today.”
PFA’s Industry Issues Session provided updates on end use markets, with special emphasis on bedding and carpet cushion. In addition, presenters covered topics such as hiring and retaining quality employees, updates on European regulations that may impact North American producers, and sustainability.
The Thursday afternoon Technical Program included presentations on new technologies for compressing foam buns for more efficient shipping, deriving polyols from CO2, alternatives to tertiary amines and tin-based catalysts, and new software for assessing sustainability by individual company facility and type of product.
Following PFA’s Technical Program, Richard Stevenson of Econic Technologies was named winner of the Dr. Herman Stone Technical Excellence Award. The award is voted on by attendees present for the Technical Program. The award is named for Dr. Herman T. Stone, who served as PFA’s first Technical Director. In 2007, Dr. Stone was inducted into the Flexible Polyurethane Foam Hall of Fame.
Industry Veterans Honored With Lifetime Achievement Awards
During the Association’s General Business Meeting, two longtime industry executives, Rob Heller and Philippe Knaub, were honored with PFA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Recipients of the award have 25 or more years of service to the industry, and a record of significant professional achievement in the areas of FPF production technology, plant or equipment engineering, research and product development, or sales and marketing. In PFA’s 45-year history, less than 40 individuals have received this award.
Heller has a career with Future Foam, Inc. that spans more than four decades. He began working on the production line just after finishing college in 1977, then worked his way up, first as a research associate, then Director of Research and Development, and finally as the company’s Vice President overseeing R&D, environment, and procurement. Bruce Schneider, Future Foam President, credited Heller with being involved in many of the business decisions that have led to the company’s success. Heller has long served on PFA’s Executive Committee, and is a past President of the Association.
Knaub, the outgoing PFA President, also has more than 40 years in the industry, working with Dow Chemical Company in Europe and the United States, ultimately overseeing Global R&D for Dow’s urethanes, latex, and other product lines. He was also Chief Technical Officer for FXI, Inc., one of the largest foam manufacturers in North America. He is also active with CertiPUR-US®, providing technical assistance for this critical foam certification program, and will continue serving PFA as its Immediate Past President and member of its Executive Committee.
“Rob and Philippe have been exceptional leaders for their companies, and for PFA,” said Cam McLaughlin, new PFA President. “A highlight of our meeting is the opportunity to have them both here to honor them in person, and to thank them for helping steer the industry forward.”
New Officers Elected
- Cam McLaughlin, Elite Comfort Solutions, President
- Bill Gollnitz, Plastomer, First Vice President
- Kevin Zhou, Sinomax-USA, Second Vice President
- Frank Donato, VPC, Treasurer
- Philippe Knaub, Immediate Past President
- Ted Smiecinski, Future Foam
- Stephen Wallace, TempurSealy
- Mike Irwin, Woodbridge Group
- Jason Goger, Wm. T. Burnett
- Karl Gust, BASF
- Scott Skolnekovich, Covestro
- Susan Kilpatrick, Evonik
- Rob Einterz, Monument Chemical
- Aaron Hart, Momentive
- Robert Smith, Wanhua
- Barry Gabelman, Chemfoam
- Hamdy Khalil, Emeritus
The Polyurethane Foam Association is a trade association founded in 1980 to help educate regulators, users, allied industries, and others about flexible polyurethane foam. PFA provides facts on environmental, health and safety issues and technical information on the performance of flexible polyurethane foam (FPF) in consumer and industrial products. FPF is used as a key comfort component in most upholstered furniture and mattress products, along with automotive seating, carpet cushion, packaging, and numerous other applications.
To learn more, visit www.pfa.org.
November 2, 2025
Pauley Inducted Into Hall of Fame
Former Carpenter CEO Stan Pauley Inducted Into Hall of Fame
Stanley F. Pauley, former CEO and chair of Richmond, Virginia-based Carpenter Co., was posthumously inducted into the American Home Furnishing Hall of Fame on Oct. 26.
He, along with Jeffrey S. Child, president of R.C. Willey Home Furnishings; William A. Hinks, founder and chair of Furniture Mart USA; and Norman Waxman of Norman Waxman Consulting, joined the 139 members of the Hall of Fame.
The induction began with a pinning ceremony at noon at the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame building in High Point. The new Hall of Fame members have plaques on the Wall of Fame and named bricks will be placed in the Walk of Fame in front of the building.
The day concluded with an induction celebration and dinner at the Sheraton Greensboro Four Seasons, hosted by Erin and Ben Napier, authors, business owners and stars of HGTV’s “Home Town” and other shows.
Brad Beauchamp, president and CEO of Carpenter, spoke on Pauley’s behalf.
Pauley was born in Winnipeg, Canada, and grew up during the Great Depression. “He knew what it was like to make do with what was available and to appreciate what resources he had available to him,” Beauchamp said. “He also learned the value of hard work, and he exhibited those qualities throughout his life, continuing to lead the company until shortly before he passed away in November 2020 at the age of 93.”
An engineer by training, Pauley guided many of the innovations that became standards in the foam and fiber industry, including the continuous pouring of polyurethane foam, Beauchamp said.
“He was never afraid to invest in the business, believing that we needed to be moving forward, and that to stay stationery was to fall behind,” Beauchamp said. “Stan’s career at Carpenter spanned more than 60 years. Just imagine giving your time, talent, energy, and enthusiasm to a pursuit for that length of time. It truly shows his love for the business and an enjoyment he received from being active and engaged with Carpenter.”
Carpenter appreciates the recognition bestowed upon “someone who has had such an outsized impact on the industry,” Beauchamp said. “We thank you very much for this honor.”
https://bedtimesmagazine.com/2025/10/former-carpenter-ceo-inducted-into-hall-of-fame
October 2, 2025
Celebrate the Life of Chris Gallagher
Please celebrate the life of our amazing, vibrant colleague and dear friend, Chris Gallagher, who passed in March.
Chris and one of his many colorful jackets!
Chris Gallagher began his urethane career at Albright and Wilson, then later moved on to Air Products and finally Evonik, after they purchased the Air Products urethane business. He was well known and liked in the industry, always cheering people on with both his attitude and his attire! He loved hot Mexican food, college football, and created a lot of nicknames for people. As we gather at the CPI meeting this year, please remember Chris and his family.
Chris was a great person and a great salesperson!
September 14, 2025
Tony Vallecoccia
Antonio Vallecoccia Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Antonio (Tony) Vallecoccia at Martindale Gardens on September 11, 2025, at the age of 87.
Tony was the heart of his family – a devoted husband to Janet of 62 years, proud and loving father to Sandra (Dale) and LeeAnn, an adoring Nonno to Mark (Charlotte), Jamie (Eric), Gina (Sean), Ashlyn, Brayden and Great Nonno to Georgia. Beloved brother to Fosca (late Joe), Mario (Anna), late Francesco (late Rosa), and late Felice (Agatha). Tony was a caring uncle to many nieces and nephews and a loyal friend to many.
Tony had a way of making people feel at ease—through a warm smile, a well-timed joke , or a helping hand when it was needed most. His presence was a gift, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Martindale Gardens for their care and kindness in Tony’s final days.
In accordance with Tony’s wishes, cremation has already taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tony’s memory to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society of Canada – a cause close to our hearts. Links are below.
“Forever in our hearts, always in our stories.”
Friends and family are invited to Tony’s Memorial Visitation, held at McKersie & Early Funeral Home, 114 Main Street East in Milton, on Wednesday September 17, 2025 from 3-5pm and 7-9pm.
A Memorial Service will be held at the same on Thursday September 18 at 11:00am, with interment at Evergreen Cemetery to follow.
Another loss for the urethane industry. He had a great run with Valle Foam.
https://www.mckersieearly.com/obituaries/Antonio-Vallecoccia?obId=45325414
September 3, 2025
Tony Sinicropi
Antonino “Tony” Sinicropi
June 1, 1947 – August 31, 2025
Tony was a dedicated employee of VitaFoam Products Limited and VPC Group Inc. He was a man of great integrity, kindness and a gentle soul! Below is the plaque that will be placed in the Toro Road Board room with a framed picture of Tony.
“Tony Sinicropi began his career in flexible polyurethane foam in 1975 at Vitafoam Products Canada Ltd.,
He was the first employee hired by General Manager Brian Prescott when the joint venture between British Vita and Pre‑Fab Cushioning launched.
A York University B.Sc. graduate, Tony started on the pour line and rose to Foam Plant Manager and Technical
Director by 1985. With deep expertise in slab‑foam processing and technology, he was instrumental in Vitafoam’s growth.
In recognition, Tony is awarded the VPC Founder award.”
VisitationFriday September 5, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
Funeral Mass – Chapel of St. Joseph (within the Funeral Home)Saturday September 6, 2025 at 12pm
Interment Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
Obituary It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Antonino “Tony” Sinicropi, who left this world peacefully on August 31, 2025, with his devoted wife of 48 years, Nancy, tenderly by his side.
Tony is now reunited in eternal rest with his beloved parents, Antonio and Francesca, and his dear brother, Carlo.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion in the hearts of those he touched. Tony will be forever treasured by his loving wife Nancy, his adored nieces Francesca (Tony) and Grace (Peter), and the greatest joys of his life — his precious great-nephews Giancarlo, Max, Marco, and Francesco, whose laughter always brought him endless pride and happiness.
He will also be lovingly remembered by Mimma, Antonietta and Family, Frances and Family, Giuseppina and Family, and Antonio and Family, along with his extended family and many dear friends.
Though Tony’s presence will be deeply missed, his memory will forever live on in the love he gave, the stories he shared, and the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in honour of Tony can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society
Some quotes about Tony:
“Tony Sinicropi, long time
Pour Line/Technical Manager at Vitafoam-Downsview (now VPC Group) passed
away on Sunday August 31. He was a real good guy and knew how to pour foam“
“He was one of the good guys.”
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