Sustainable Foam Solutions: ThermaGel® Bio Additive

ThermaGel® Bio additive is a member of Peterson Chemical Technology’s recently defined EcoFlowTM family. This new line of products contains eco-friendly alternatives to our existing raw materials such as polyols, particle gels, PCMs, and coatings.

By utilizing plant-based, renewable seed oil as an alternative solution, our team at Peterson Chemicals has been able to reduce the petroleum-based materials used in many of our foam products. Throughout development, they also worked to maintain the high quality our products are known for.

“Our ultimate goal is to produce a high-performance, durable foam that’s going to last,” says Heidi Stojanovic, R&D Manager. “Being able to accomplish this while also being environmentally responsible, is important to everyone on our team.”

 

ST CloudZero® Helps You Kick Back & Relax

In our Furniture Components business, we design, manufacture, and distribute a wide range of components that enhance comfort, motion, and style in upholstered furniture.
The ST CloudZero® is an ergonomic mechanism that provides superior support and comfort in a stress-free position, all while utilizing patented Wallhugger technology. The raised footrest can raise up to 6″ above the standard recliner along with a greater seat pitch. To learn more, visit lpfurniturecomponents.com.

Global Network Transformation Project Seeking Talent

Employees in L&P’s Information Technology (IT) department work quietly behind the scenes to maintain our computer systems, analyze and reduce cybersecurity risks, and develop solutions which improve the ways our teams communicate with one another.

In an effort to enable business growth, the IT department has launched a new Global Network Transformation (GNT) project that will both modernize and enhance security for the global network. This multi-year project will enable the transition from distributed manufacturing applications to centralized cloud-based systems.

The GNT project will increase efficiency and enhance security for the global network including migration to redundant circuits, implementation of a SDWAN platform, and network segmentation.

“We are currently in the process of hiring an entire team of people to execute this project,” says Travis O’Neill, Director of Cloud Services & Network Infrastructure. “It’s such an exciting opportunity. GNT will completely change the way we support our branches around the world.”

To learn more about available opportunities at L&P, visit careers.leggett.com

It’s International Left-Handers Day!

Did you know about 10-12% of the world consists of left-handed individuals? Today we celebrate you!

Evolution2020 Elevates the Style of Motion Furniture

In our Furniture Components business, we design, manufacture, and distribute a wide range of components that enhance comfort, motion, and style in upholstered furniture. Evolution2020™ is one of our newest products  a game changer in motion furniture that provides more styling capabilities for high-leg furniture. The power-only activation, along with multiple headrest options, allows users to recline to the perfect position for their comfort.

To learn more, visit lpfurniturecomponents.com.

 

Hanes Fabric Enters the Retail Market with Muslin

Muslin bolts at a retailer in Joplin, MO (left) and Hanes Dye and Finishing, Winston Salem, NC (right)

When Hanes Industries joined L&P in 1993, they focused mostly on the furniture, bedding, and automotive markets, making them a great fit with L&P’s existing endeavors. Since then, they have expanded into other fabric markets including drapery, packaging, geosynthetics, landscaping and more.

Hanes Fabric’s new line of muslin utilizes the same high-quality processes and finishes that their brand is known for. It is a very versatile fabric which is used in a variety of crafting applications including quilting, home décor, pattern making, and other art projects. Currently, our facility produces both bleached (white) and unbleached (natural) fabrics.

In the past, Hanes Fabric sold only through wholesale transactions with other manufacturers or distributors. However, the new muslin line is being sold directly to retailers like Hobby Lobby, Amazon, Walmart, Joann’s, and Fabric.com.

“Hanes Fabrics is a recognizable name for buyers,” says Danny Campolieta, Senior Product Manager for HCC/HFC Wovens. “What makes this new project so exciting is that it places our fabrics directly in front of those end consumers. Muslin is a staple in the craft market and a great opportunity for our brand to expand upon in the retail space.”

Those interested in placing a muslin order should contact a sales representative at hanescompanies.com

L&P Sustainability Efforts: Chemical Safety

L&P is a relatively low-volume user of chemicals, with the largest use in our Specialty Foam business. These chemicals have low environmental impact as the manufacturing process yields a small amount of emissions by employing clean manufacturing technologies such as the use of MDI-based foams, as well as reactive and low-emission catalysts and surfactants.

Products meeting CertiPUR-US requirements meet strict clean limits for materials such as:

  • Ozone Depleting Compounds
  • PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants
  • Mercury, lead, and other heavy metals
  • Formaldehyde
  • Phthalates

Read more about L&P’s sustainability efforts here: https://leggett.com/sustainability-report

What the Covid-19 Pandemic Taught Us

The past year has shown us just how resilient our people really are. We asked several employees what the COVID-19 pandemic taught them.

Doors 2021: L&P Interns Connect Virtually

L&P’s Doors program helps interns learn, grow, and contribute. Over the years, interns have helped to change the landscape of IT, engineering, marketing, human resources, and accounting at Leggett & Platt.

This summer, a creative approach allowed our interns to still experience Doors while also staying safe throughout the pandemic. All events were delivered through virtual conference calls as our interns worked in remote or hybrid situations.

While these students were never able to meet face-to-face, they engaged through online development sessions and speed networking events. We’re very proud of them for embracing this unique working environment and thank them for sharing their incredible talents with L&P!