America Fibers and Yarns Company to Speak on Flammability Testing Panel at AATCC 2002 International Conference & Exhibition

CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 04, 2002—American Fibers and Yarns Company, the premier supplier of synthetic filament yarn to the home furnishings, contract, hospitality, apparel, automotive and industrial markets will discuss flammability standards at the AATCC 2002 International Conference and Exhibition in Charlotte, N.C.. Nicolette Rainey, Market Development Manager for AF&Y, will appear alongside other industry experts on a panel entitled, “Flammability Testing,” to take place Friday, October 4, 2002 from 9am-12pm EST at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Rainey’s discussion will focus directly on new draft standards specifically for residential upholstered furniture. The regulatory agencies hope to design standards that better reflect the flame resistance for an entire piece of furniture, with the end result to widen the margin of safety for a resident and allow more time to escape a house fire.

“ American Fibers and Yarns Co. is pleased to participate in this years AATCC 2002 International Conference and Exhibition on its Flammability Testing panel,” states Rainey. “We understand the need to stay involved in any activity that could impact our business and proactively work to make sure any new standards are workable and effective.”

The 2002 AATCC International Conference & Exhibition, entitled, “Concept to Consumer,” reflects a newly established initiative to provide a forum enabling discussion on issues surrounding the creation of textile products, from initial concept to the final consumer. This year’s conference will gather members of the textile industry to address challenges facing companies today, as well as other pertinent issues.

Rainey will join Weidong Wu, University of Georgia, Kurt Reimann, BASF Corporation, Weiyiy Tao, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and moderator Ronald Dombrowski, Tech Tex Solutions for their panel discussion. For more information, please visit www.aatcc.org.

About American Fibers & Yarns Company
American Fibers & Yarns Company is a premier supplier of synthetic filament yarn to the home furnishings, contract, hospitality, apparel, automotive, and industrial markets. AF&Y began as Phillips Fibers Corporation, a subsidiary of Phillips Petroleum Company. In 1993, Amoco Fabrics and Fibers Corporation, a subsidiary of Amoco Oil Corporation, purchased Phillips Fibers Corporation. The combined companies became the largest U.S. supplier of polypropylene filament yarns, staple fiber, needle punch non-wovens and carpet backing. In 1999, Amoco Fabrics and Fibers Corporation sold the fibers division to a private equity firm, Monitor Clipper Partners of Cambridge, Mass. The company is headquartered in Chapel Hill, N.C. For more information, visit our Internet site, www.afyarns.com.

Press Contact
Allison Reed
Walker Marketing PR, for American Fibers and Yarns
(704) 782-3244
areed@wmamarketing.com