The results of the 2004 End Use Market Survey of the Polyurethanes Industry in the United States, Canada and Mexico, conducted by IAL Consultants
Angela Austin of IAL Consultants, the firm that conducted the survey, commented, "During the past two years, the North American polyurethanes industry has balanced the reality of raw-material shortages and deteriorating production economics with growth in a number of product areas that impact quality of life. In the U.S., that growth has been stimulated by new products, such as viscoelastic foam and low-density rigid spray foams, as well as changes in consumer spending on such items as hardwood floors that require polyurethane coatings. Consumers have been purchasing larger refrigerators for their kitchens and additional units for other areas of the house, and larger vehicles - including minivans and SUVs - all of which use substantial amounts of polyurethane."