Western Nonwovens To Sell Assets To SBC, Files Chapter 11 Petition

Carson, Calif.-based Western Nonwovens Inc. — a supplier of nonwoven materials for applications such as mattress, automotive, retail apparel, filtration and furniture — has agreed to sell a large portion of its assets to SBC Manufacturing Co. LLC, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based mattress manufacturer Simmons Bedding Co. The sale includes Western Nonwovens’ manufacturing plants in Orlando, Fla. and Sauget, Ill., and the option for SBC to purchase the Carson, Calif. plant.

Western Nonwovens also has filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and will receive debtor-in-possession financing from its lender to finance the company’s business operations while it is in the process of finalizing the sale. The companies anticipate the sale will be completed within 45 days.

July 15, 2008