A leading global manufacturer of PU foam has joined the line-up of headline sponsors of the British Furniture Manufacturers’ new Furniture Component Expo.
Carpenter has pledged support for the event, joining the Vita Group and BeA Group UK as the leading names behind the show.
Founded by E Rhodes Carpenter in 1948 as a distributor of latex products for furnituremakers in Virginia, US, Carpenter Co is now a world-leading manufacturer of polyurethane foams. With more than 70 production locations worldwide, the company employs over 6500 people, producing PU chemical solutions, polyester fibres and insulation materials.
Richard Harris, UK commercial director, says: “Carpenter Ltd is delighted to be supporting the BFM with this new exhibition and see it as a great channel to showcase our product portfolio, aimed at comfort applications, supplied into both upholstery and bedding markets.
“Our foams are recognised as market leaders in comfort and performance, and, when combined with our foam and polyester fibre conversion facilities in the UK, we are able to offer a complete supply solution. Innovation and product design is at the forefront of what we do.
“We are really looking forward to the show, seeing existing customers and welcoming new visitors to our stand.”
The BFM launched the Furniture Component Expo, which will take place at Telford International Centre on 24-25th April 2024, after feedback from members identified a gap in the market. It will offer furnituremakers the opportunity to browse the component marketplace and seek out new innovations coming into the sector in a face-to-face setting.
The BFM has also announced that its popular fabric show is moving from London to merge with the new expo, providing more space for visitors and exhibitors, coupled with the opportunities and convenience of having two industry events in one format.
Phil Spademan, BFM’s MD, adds: “It’s great news that Carpenter is on board as a headline sponsor, along with Vita Group and BeA. Our members highlighted the need for this type of B2B event, and we are pleased to see it being so well received across the industry. There has been an exciting level of take-up from companies who are keen to be involved with the expo, not only as sponsors, but exhibitors as well, with a range of companies already booking their stands.”
