About HLJ Foam
Built on experience. Driven by innovation. Trusted by industry leaders.
We’re proud to be one of the nation’s most trusted foam manufacturing companies, a team that blends over three decades of hands-on experience with a passion for solving real-world challenges.
Our Story
HLJ Foam started back in 1988 as Allied Aerofoam in a smaller facility with a simple goal: make foam products that actually last. Over the decades, we built a reputation for showing up on time, delivering what we promised, and standing behind our work. In 2020, we became HLJ Foam – a name that better reflected how far we’d come – more products, more customers, more capabilities.
Today we operate manufacturing facilities in Lexington, Tennessee and West Plains, Missouri – over 250,000 square feet of space we own and manage ourselves. We produce foam, fill, and packaging products that end up in homes, classrooms, retail stores, and industrial operations throughout North America. Most of our production relies on cutting-edge automated machinery; but some of our best work still happens by experienced craftspeople making judgements machines can’t.
38+ Years of Experience
We’ve launched consumer brands like FoamOh™ and Arlee™ that you might recognize from stores. Beyond that, we handle custom packaging, contract manufacturing, and OEM production for companies across different industries who need foam solutions engineered to exact specifications.
Whether we’re making memory foam products people sleep on, durable packaging that protects valuable equipment during shipping, or modular furniture for educational spaces, the approach stays the same: treat every project like our reputation depends on it – because it does. After 38+ years, that commitment is what keeps customers coming back and new ones finding us.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
The principles that guide our company and drive our commitment to excellence
Our Mission
To deliver high-quality foam and fill-based solutions through craftsmanship, care, and decades of manufacturing expertise. We’re here to support our partners, from national retailers to emerging brands, with responsive service, flexible production, and a commitment to doing things right. Whether it’s custom packaging, consumer goods, or OEM components, our mission is to turn great ideas into reality, one foam product at a time.
Our Vision
To be the most trusted name in foam fabrication, a company known not just for what we make, but how we make it. We aim to be recognized not just for what we make, but for how we support our partners, empower our people, and improve everyday experiences.
Our Values
The core principles that shape every decision we make and guide our interactions
Quality
Every product we make is built to perform, tested to endure, and designed to reflect our promise of excellence.
Innovation
From custom foam fabrication to integrated manufacturing solutions, we continuously invest in new technology, materials, and design thinking to meet evolving market needs.
Dependability
Clients trust HLJ because we deliver — on time, on specifications, and with consistency that builds confidence.
Customer Partnership
We see every client as a collaborator. Your goals become ours, and your success drives how we measure our own.
Longevity
With more than 38+ years of proven expertise, we don’t chase short-term wins. We build relationships and solutions that last.
Safety First
We maintain the highest safety standards in our facilities and products, ensuring the well-being of our team and customers.sted to endure, and designed to reflect our promise of excellence.
Leadership Team
Meet the experienced professionals driving our company’s vision and innovation.
Hector Chicas
I’ve spent over 25 years in manufacturing and global supply chain, and joined HLJ’s ownership group in 2020 to build something more capable and diversified. Since then, we’ve expanded our facilities, launched HLJ Consumer Products, and strengthened our position as a trusted North American manufacturer.
Gary Mann
I’ve spent more than 35 years in consumer products; from sourcing and product development to manufacturing and distribution. At HLJ Consumer Products, I focus on building dependable operational capabilities and lasting partnerships that deliver consistent results.
Lisa Shamus
I’ve spent over two decades building some of the biggest names in consumer products and licensing, from Disney and Marvel to Angry Birds and Ted. At HLJ, I bring that same instinct for brand strategy and market opportunity to help grow our consumer products business in smart, unexpected ways.
Sean Frankel
I built my career at the intersection of brand strategy and operational execution — from managing global campaigns at Saatchi & Saatchi to scaling Arlee’s pet products division into placements at Costco, Walmart, and Target. At HLJ, I bring that same blend of creative and commercial thinking to brand strategy, supply chain, and retail growth.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Innovation
From the early days of cutting and shaping foam by hand to today’s fully integrated CNC, water-jet, and automated wrapping systems, HLJ Foam has evolved without losing sight of what matters most: people, precision, and partnership. Our story is one of growth through innovation, driven by a commitment to do things the right way, built right, every time.
Company Founded
Allied Aerofoam is established, laying the foundation for decades of foam fabrication expertise.
HLJ Acquisition
HLJ acquires Allied Aerofoam, merging deep industry experience with a renewed vision for growth and innovation.
First Major National Retail Contract
HLJ begins manufacturing for a leading U.S. retailer, marking a major step into large-scale consumer product partnerships.
Facility Expansion in Tennessee
New locations in Lexington and Milan, TN increase production capacity and streamline logistics across multiple business segments.
Technology Innovation & Equipment Upgrade
HLJ invests in state-of-the-art machinery including CNC routing, water-jet cutting, and automated foam wrapping systems to enhance precision and efficiency.
ISO Certification Achieved
HLJ earns ISO certification, reinforcing its commitment to quality, consistency, and industry compliance.
Arlee Home Fashions Acquisition
HLJ Foam entered a strategic asset purchase agreement with Arlee Home Fashions in 2025, expanding its consumer product portfolio and operations into Missouri.
HLJ Acquisition
HLJ acquires Allied Aerofoam, merging deep industry experience with a renewed vision for growth and innovation.
Facility Expansion in Tennessee
New locations in Lexington and Milan, TN increase production capacity and streamline logistics across multiple business segments.
ISO Certification Achieved
HLJ earns ISO certification, reinforcing its commitment to quality, consistency, and industry compliance.