Ozite, a division of Foss Manufacturing Company, LLC, is a vertically integrated producer of engineered fabrics.

Our process begins with the production of solution dyed polyester and polypropylene Foss fiber. During this process, we are able to manufacture the fiber with additives that improve UV stability, are fire resistant, and inhibit the growth of bacteria. (Fosshield® antimicrobial technology is the premier fiber technology to safely and effectively inhibit the growth of destructive and odor-causing bacteria). Our polyester fiber can also be spun out of post consumer recycled plastic bottles. (Eco-fi^™ is 100% certified recycled polyester textile fiber).

Along with producing fiber and fabrics, we have extensive in-house finishing capabilities including saturation, coating, hot melt adhesives, film extrusion, lamination, thermobonding, embossing, and calendering. We also convert fabrics into ready-to-use products through slitting, cut-to-length rolls, die cutting, bolting, sheeting and special packaging.

Our Ozite line of products represents the finest quality in consumer-ready non-woven fabric materials. Backed by many years of experience and our QS 9000/ISO 9001 certification, we look forward to serving the needs of our customer for many innovative years to come.

Ozite was originally founded in 1864 as the American Hair & Felt Company by a group of Chicago and Milwaukee tanners in an effort to find a practical use for a tanning industry by-product, cattle hair. Since this hair had indestructible characteristics, the tanners had an ecological problem. The cattle hair could not be buried, nor could it be disposed of in Lake Michigan as it eventually washed ashore. Also, the hair, once removed from the animal, emitted a terrible odor. Company technicians found a solution for this smell. When the hair was treated with ozone gas, the odor was eliminated. The Ozite name was derived from this treatment.

These same innovative technicians developed numerous applications for cattle hair. It was made into interlining for military uniforms providing warmth, gun wadding for bullets, insulation in rail cars before refrigeration units were developed, and the foundation of the company's early history, underlayment for carpets. One of the company's first carpet underlayments was called "Genuine Ozite". The product developed such strong consumer recognition that the company was changed from American Hair & Felt Company to the Ozite Corporation.

From these early beginnings, Ozite grew to become the leading manufacturer of needle-punched non-wovens, pioneering the use of synthetic fibers. They became the first to develop indoor/outdoor carpeting, peel-n-stick carpet tiles, acoustical wallcovering treatments, moldable trunk liners for the automotive industry, and carpet rolls for the retail environment.

Ozite, a leader in the textile industry for more than 130 years, was acquired by Foss Manufacturing Company in 1996. With the vast resources and manufacturing capabilities of Foss, Ozite has continued it's leadership position in many markets producing the following types of products: Marine fabrics, MH/RV fabrics, contract wallcoverings, store fixture shelving, display fabrics, fabrics for the music industry, car audio market, automotive aftermarket, along with specially engineered fabrics for specific end use.

About Foss Manufacturing Company, LLC
Foss Manufacturing Company, LLC has been a global leader in the design and manufacture of non-woven fabrics and specialty synthetic fiber technology for more than 50 years. As one of the world's largest needle-punch based manufacturers, the company provides highly specialized, cost-effective solutions that are custom-tailored to meet the needs of virtually all applications and markets. Foss is the leader in bringing new and improved non-woven products to market through its commitment to innovation, extensive research and development.

Based in Hampton, New Hampshire, all of Foss Manufacturing Company's business units are ISO 9001 and QS 9000 certified. For more information on Foss Manufacturing Company, visit www.fossmfg.com, call 1-800-343-3277 or write to info@fossmfg.com.