Pipefine Patio Furniture

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???

104 Golfers support Roald McDonald Charities

Schneiderman’s Furniture drew 104 golfers, including furniture industry supporters, to its 20th annual Ronald McDonald Charities Golf Tournament held at Oak Marsh Golf Club June 24.

Russ Schneiderman, tournament chair and retired partner in the Lakeville, Minn.-based retailer, said the event raised more than $19,000. That brought total contributions to the Ronald McDonald House to more than $330,000 in the 20 years Schneiderman’s has hosted the tournament.