Date:02/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/02/stories/2007030208062100.htm

Business

Foam Mattings makes a marketing push

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The Kerala Government-owned Foam Mattings (India) Ltd. has entered into an agreement with the Geo Group of Companies for marketing coir, sisal and jute products in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and other countries.

The marketing tie-up is part of an effort by the public sector coir company to make a major marketing thrust in the domestic and international markets.

Foam Mattings has already entered into agreements with the Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation, Consumerfed and Kerala State Industrial Enterprises for selling the company's products. These marketing tie-ups are the first steps taken by Foam Mattings to enter the domestic market in a big way.

The company has no outlets in the domestic market and is now looking to sell its products in India too in a big way. Foam Mattings has also entered into agreements with agencies to sell its products in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

The Alappuzha-based company has switched to a series of theme-based products in the current year to make a niche for itself in the market for eco-friendly products.

Foam Mattings was incorporated in 1979 with an authorised capital of Rs. 3 crore and it has been engaged in the promotion, manufacture and marketing of coir, sisal and jute products.

The company employs 180 skilled personnel to produce a large number of products using state-of-the-art equipment, including a fully automatic power loom and modern dye house.