The winter storm that severely affected the southern region (including Texas and Louisiana) last month injected a gear into the domestic manufacturing industry, and the increase in consumer demand that began last spring due to the COVID-19 closure has resulted in domestic The manufacturing industry started to rebound after months of backlog.
That storm plunged the Gulf Coast region into an almost unheard of deep freeze, causing freezing of pipelines for companies that supply key chemicals used to produce foam, a key component of mattresses.
These chemicals—polyols, TDI, and MDI—are key ingredients in foams used in mattresses and upholstery.
Restarting the chemical plant requires utilities and electricity, and any damage cannot be assessed until services such as steam and nitrogen are restored. Once repaired, the wiring needs to be checked and the damage repaired. These plants will start up at lower rates and it may take several months to return to full speed. At the same time, the entire polyol inventory pipeline is empty.
BASF, The Dow Chemical Company and other companies that provide chemicals to foam producers have declared force majeure, a situation beyond the company's control that prevents them from fulfilling their contractual obligations.
In March last year, when the pandemic forced retail and other businesses to close, chemical producers were uncertain about future demand and the chemical production chain slowed down. However, consumer demand rebounded in June, causing shortages.
I am Sheila Long O'Mara, the executive editor of "Furniture Today". In my 25-year career in the home furnishing industry, I have served as an editor for several industry publications, and worked for a period of time in a public relations agency, where I worked with some industry-leading bedding brands. I rejoined "Today's Furniture" in December 2020, focusing on bedding and sleep products. This is a home for me, because I was the writer and editor of "Furniture Today" from 1994 to 2002. I am happy to be back and look forward to telling important stories that affect bedding retailers and manufacturers.
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