Apropos of its Latin moniker (excelsior -- ever upward), American Excelsior's business is up, up, and away. It manufactures and distributes a range of flexible foams (polyethylene/polyurethane) used in a slew of applications, from marine flotation cushions to automotive seating and medical bedding, packing pellets, athletic body protection, and acoustical products. More down to earth, the company's Earth Science division makes erosion and sediment control blankets, filters, and other biodegradable items, and a Wood Fiber division, stranded wood fiber for packaging, evaporative cooling, animal bedding, and archery targets. American Excelsior operates manufacturing and distribution centers at 10 sites in the US.