TRINITY, North Carolina (24 May 2012) - Mattress major Sealy has signed new licensing agreements with Downlite and American Textile Company that will see them manufacture and market basic bedding accessories in both the United States and Canada, beginning in April 2013.

Under its agreement, the Mason, Ohio-based Downlite will produce and market down and synthetic filled bedding including pillows, blankets, comforters and similar products as well as sheeting products for the Sealy, Sealy Posturepedic and Stearns & Foster brands.

American Textile, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, will produce and market mattress and pillow protectors for the same brands.

"We're taking a fresh look at this category, and have selected two dynamic organizations known for high-quality products and innovation," Sealy president and chief executive officer Larry Rogers said in a statement. "They are forward-thinking, which is consistent with our strategy to grow through licensing and other strategic partnerships. With this new direction, Sealy will offer customers down and down-alternative products, protectors, and encasements that are the best made and most technologically advanced in the world."

According to Downlite CEO James Lape, the Sealy licensing agreement provides the opportunity to reach new markets and customers in partnership.

"This is a great honor for us and Downlite is extremely proud to be partnered with a leading brand like Sealy," he said. "We are focused on developing intelligent partnerships, with complementary brands, who allow us to manifest our corporate strategies."

"This license is a great addition to our portfolio and will give American Textile Company the opportunity to further capitalize on developing new and innovative product under the Sealy brand," said Blake Ruttenberg, the company's executive vice president in charge of sales and marketing. "We believe that our consumer-focused approach to product development combined with the power of the Sealy brand will expand the protector category within the U.S. and Canada."

"We like the culture of innovation we see in both companies," Sealy director of licensing Margo Borgione added. "We believe the basic bedding category represents a significant growth opportunity and looked for technology-driven companies with a proven track record in developing and marketing innovative products with high consumer appeal."