Loudon, Tennessee - The Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA) recently inducted three major "foam industry pioneers" into the Flexible Polyurethane Foam (FPF) Hall of Fame during its Spring General Business Meeting and Technical Program in Baltimore, Maryland, 20-21 May 2009.
2009 inductees to the hall of fame include UK-based Beamech Group Ltd, Warren Pollock, the production process innovator, and the late Karl Lens, founder of Crest Foam Industries, Inc.
Warren Pollock was responsible for the design and setup of one of the first commercial flexible polyurethane foam manufacturing operations in the US, the statement said. He also led the way in the development of round block foam and flame lamination for automotive seating and textile fabrics.
As well as setting up the first commercial vinyl foam production plant in the US, Karl Lens moved to the polyurethane foam business in 1959, founding Crest Foam, with his partner Irving Rifkin in Flushing, New York, which produced thin gauge polyester foam primarily for flame lamination to fabric for the garment industry.
Beamech Group, now operated by Brian Blackwell and his sons Bill and John, has been involved in a number of innovations in the PU industry, including designing early equipment to support the continuous processing of flexible polyurethane foam.
The purpose of the Flexible Polyurethane Foam Hall of Fame, which can be viewed at www.pfa.org, is to recognise individuals and corporations who have significantly contributed to the growth and betterment of the flexible polyurethane foam industry in North America, the PFA added. (RD)
PIC: Warren Pollock (left) receives his award from Steve Riddle, PFA president.
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