Sealed Air Expanded Madera Foam Production

The packaging company has increased its manufacturing capacity for closed-cell polyethylene foam at the Madera site.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Consumer Goods

Sealed Air Expanded Madera Foam Production

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Sealed Air has expanded its manufacturing capacity for closed-cell polyethylene foam solutions at its plant in Madera, California. The expansion aims to address the rising customer demand for industrial cushioning products.

Why it matters

This infrastructure upgrade is designed to improve manufacturing efficiency by balancing production demand across the company's global specialty foam network. It reflects an effort to keep pace with industrial cushioning needs.

Sealed Air produces Ethafoam and Stratocell closed-cell polyethylene foam solutions at the Madera site. This facility is part of a broader global manufacturing network now operating under funds affiliated with CD&R, which acquired the company for $10.3 billion.

The players

Sealed Air

A packaging company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, known for producing protective and specialty foam solutions.

CD&R

A private investment firm whose affiliated funds completed the acquisition of Sealed Air in 2026.

The details

The Madera facility now features increased capacity for Ethafoam and Stratocell production to meet industrial cushioning requirements. By optimizing operations at this location, Sealed Air intends to streamline its supply chain efficiency.

November 17, 2025: Sealed Air announced an agreement to be acquired by CD&R.
2026: The company completed its acquisition by funds affiliated with CD&R.
October 14, 2026: Sealed Air announced the expansion of its Madera plant.

Market Landscape

The expansion follows the established trend of capacity optimization often seen in companies under new private equity ownership. It positions the facility to better compete in the protective packaging market by streamlining output across the global manufacturing network.

Industrial customers requiring protective cushioning can expect more consistent product availability due to the increased manufacturing capacity. There are no announced changes to pricing or retail consumer services resulting from this operational adjustment.

The takeaway

Companies frequently align their production footprints to match shifting industrial demand following major ownership transitions. Efficient utilization of domestic manufacturing sites allows firms to improve service levels for industrial partners.