Latex prepares to rebuild

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 11/12/2001 12:00:00 AM

Ansonia, CT — Less than a year after a massive fire destroyed its offices and manufacturing facility here, Latex Foam Products (LFP) has signed a contract to purchase a building and rebuild in neighboring Shelton, CT. The company had been located in Ansonia for the past 17 years.

The foam manufacturer will purchase the Emhart Fastening Teknologies plant on River Road in Shelton. LFP will assume ownership of the building next month, and renovations will begin immediately afterward, commencing with the rebuilding of the manufacturing facility.

If LFP had decided to build a brand-new facility, the process would have taken more than a year, according to the company. The target date for shipping from the new facility is May 15.

"The city of Ansonia will always have a special place in our hearts," said William Coffey, chairman and co-founder of LFP. "We wish we could have stayed, but everyone realizes how important it is to keep jobs here in [Connecticut] and get back to work as soon as possible."

LFP had been offered incentives to move its operations out of state but opted to remain in Connecticut, thanks in part to an economic development assistance package from the state.

"After a great deal of hard work, we're excited to begin operations in our new Shelton facility this spring," said Stephen Russo, president and ceo. "Thanks to everyone's efforts, this is a win-win situation for LFP and our employees, our customers and the region."