Atlanta—Leggett & Platt has expanded its underlayment offerings with the acquisition of Rug-Hold Co. “The Rug-Hold acquisition expands our product assortment significantly,” said Robert Weber, president of Leggett & Platt’s Coated Fabrics Division. “The Rug-Hold brand is widely respected as one of the industry’s premium brand names in the rug underlay business. “With this purchase,” he continued, we will now offer a full range of rug underlays made of natural rubber, felt and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).” Rug-Hold was founded in 1979 by O.A. (Bud) Wy-man and Sid Barsky. At the time, it was the first company to market an underlayment in the U.S. specifically designed for use under rugs.

Wyman, 81, is expected to remain actively involved with the company in a consulting capacity. Though Rug-Hold will continue to be marketed as a separate product line, it will fall under Leggett & Platt’s Vantage business, which makes non-slip rug underlayments, shelf lining and other consumer products. The business unit is within the manufacturer’s Coated Fabrics Division. Rug-Hold’s corporate offices will be relocated from Dalton to Atlanta. For now, that will be the only change, Weber said. “We will evaluate everything and make whatever necessary changes have to be made.” He told FCNews the purchase is expected to in-crease Leggett & Platt’s underlay business approximately 6% to 8%. “It’s not a large increase, but it gives us the opportunity to utilize our assets to their fullest potential.”

Weber noted while Vantage has been the largest non-slip rug underlay manufacturers for years, it only makes PVC products. Rug-Hold, on the other hand, focuses on products using natural rubber and felt. This will work well for Leggett & Platt because a year ago it purchased a latex facility. He anticipates Rug-Hold will allow the company to make better use of its asset. Wyman recalled how the company originally imported PVC products from Germany and Switzerland. But, for the past 10 years it has concentrated on using natural rubber and felt. In fact, he was granted two U.S. patents for processes used in the manufacture of rug padding. “It’s been a fun ride,” he said, “but the timing was right. While I could have kept going forever, sometimes an opportunity comes along and you have to grab it. I will miss most the people who were so loyal to me over the years. Their friendship and support allowed Rug-Hold to succeed. “This is a good move for Legget & Platt,” Wyman continued, “in that it gives it a product line that is upscale and geared for the specialty retailer. Plus, it should give it some new customers.” Wyman said he not only plans to help Legget & Platt in a consulting basis, “I hope to stay within floor coverings in some other capacity.”