FBI Raids Foam Supplier’s Offices

Investigation targets polyurethane foam pricing practices

The FBI raided foam supplier Carpenter’s offices this week as part of a U.S. government investigation into the pricing practices related to polyurethane foam products, Carpenter officials told Furniture/Today.

Carpenter officials issued a brief statement after the local newspaper ran a story reporting on the FBI raid, saying that agents took boxes out of the building.

The story said the raid was part of an investigation of a number of polyurethane foam producers, including Carpenter.

Carpenter confirmed the investigation, saying: “In connection with a multi-jurisdiction investigation of the pricing practices to polyurethane foam products, the U.S. government has required that manufacturers of polyurethane foam, including Carpenter Co., produce information and documents. Carpenter Co. is being fully responsive and cooperative with the government to facilitate their review.”

Carpenter did not say if the probe involves foam that Carpenter supplies to the home furnishings industry. The company is a major supplier to a number of industries.

Editor: What? Controls on pricing now? What’s next???