Novi’s Cooper Standard, a large automotive supplier, says Peak Sport Products Co. will use its proprietary Fortrex technology platform in developing and commercializing foam midsoles for athletic shoes.
Through its Applied Materials Science business, Cooper Standard will provide licensing, technical information, and Fortrex materials and catalysts to Peak for use in its next generation athletic footwear.
“This agreement illustrates the diversity of our Applied Materials Science business and the breadth of applications of our Fortrex chemistry platform,” says Jeffrey DeBest, president advanced technology group, Cooper Standard. We look forward to partnering with PEAK in creating higher performing midsoles for next generation footwear product lines.”
Fortrex is a chemical process used to produce a family of high-performance elastomeric materials. Significant advantages include durability, compression set, resilience, and temperature resistance, all within lighter weight and faster processing materials. Fortrex materials can take on many forms, including dense extrusions, foams, films and membranes, and can be tuned for a wide range of applications and performance solutions.
“We look forward to the partnership, which will reinforce our innovation,” says Xu Zhihua, CEO of Peak Sports. “I believe Fortrex material can be applied in PEAK running shoes, walking shoes. and basketball shoes.”
Cooper Standard is a global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry. Products include rubber and plastic sealing, fuel and brake lines, fluid transfer hoses, and anti-vibration systems. The company has more than 32,000 people and operates in 21 countries around the world.
