Expert in
Synthetic Foams

With innovative solutions since 1950. We master extrusion, molding and conversion processes with expertise built on decades of hands-on experience and deep technical knowledge.

Our Origins:
Where It All Began

Our story started 1950 in a modest garage in a small East Belgian village, called Hauset. No grand factory, no international blueprint, just one vision, sparked by Gert Noël’s curiosity, persistence, and unwavering belief in innovation. Just a simple idea of selling a household sponge made of polyurethane foam, which would simplify the daily lives of housewives in the post-war period.

Piece by piece, challenge by challenge, opportunity by opportunity, that small 16 m² garage became the birthplace of our today’s company – NMC. More than 75 years later, the same spirit still guides us: the courage to explore, the drive and passion to innovate smart, functional foam solutions and a deep commitment to collaboration and partnership.

From a Little East Belgian
Distributor and Manufacturer to…

1950 1950 > 1970
Founding moment of Noël Marquet & Cie SA

Gert Noël’s vision took shape: The distribution of an innovative household sponge made of polyurethane foam.
1956
First key distribution partnerships

We became i.a. an official distributor of the Freudenberg Group (Vileda) and distributed household goods, car care products and orthopaedic products in Benelux.
Mid 1960s
From selling products to creating them

We evolved from distributor to true manufacturer, by launching our first patented foam products and technologies – NMC air filter casings and cassettes.
Late 1960s
The famous molded “Glitzi” sponge

Gert’s brilliant idea of combining hand‑molded polyurethane (PU) foam sponge with Freudenberg’s premium scouring fleece led to the first ergonomic, hand‑fitting “Glitzi” sponge, patented and sold under the brand Vileda.
Early to mid-1970s 1970 > 1990
Industrial foam pioneering

Driven by our own-developed foam extrusion technologies, we advanced our technical capabilities and set new standards with innovative pipe insulation solutions such as ISOTUBE® (PU) and CLIMATUBE® (PE).
Late 1970s
Going international

Thanks to continuous improvements in our foam extrusion processes, we emerged as a rising international player, expanding to Germany (1972), the UK (1977) and the USA (1979).
1980
Early sustainability leadership

We moved early toward responsible foam production, adopting CFC-free technologies and introducing our own recycling initiatives, long before sustainability became an industry and global expectation.
1982
A new generation is taking over

Yves Noël (31, on the right) stepped into his father’s footsteps and sparked a wave of fresh innovation.
Mid 1980s
A new manufacturing spot for next-level foam performance

All extrusion operations were centralized to Belgium. What started as a strategic relocation has developed into the industrial heart of the entire Group.

Little local insight: What was once Chocolaterie Jacques’ Hall 1, filling the region with sweetness, now produces colourful, high-end foam solutions.
Late 1980s
From new name to new market — boom of DIY design

1987, Noël Marquet & Cie SA became NMC SA.
While INSUL TUBE® grew in flexible rubber insulation; DECOFLAIR inspired the DIY market.
1990 1990 > 2010
Made to fit. Made in colour.

From our iconic blue NOMAPACK® to our colourful COMFY® range, our innovations led us to become a trusted multi-market foam specialist in packaging, sports and leisure.
Late 1990s
Farewell to our founder

On November 10, 1998 — 48 years after NMC’s beginning, we lost our founder. The Noël spirit of innovation and responsibility still guides us.

In 1999, Yves Noël passed his responsibilities to an external, non-family CEO.
2000–2007
Customer-driven: Acting locally, expanding globally

With new capacity in Poland and four Scandinavian acquisitions, we have strengthened our industrial footprint, enabling us to serve our customers across Europe even better.

Little local insight: In Eynatten, the road leading to the NMC site was officially named Gert‑Noël‑Strasse, a heartfelt tribute to the company’s founder.
2015 2010 > 2020
A new approach to foam production

By incorporating recycled and renewable materials into selected foam formulations, we have expanded our range of foam solutions containing alternative material inputs.

This supports our ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on virgin fossil-based materials and further develop lower-impact production approaches.
2017-2018
Stronger partnerships & South American presence

SELIT (flooring), Empresas Busel and a new production site in Brazil (design) deepened our international presence; AEROFLEX® and AEROLINE® boosted our technical insulation portfolio.
2019
Redefining excellence in design

Rebranding (new NMC logo), flexible warning profiles for safety solutions, and on top, the launch of our premium design brand NOËL & MARQUET opened an extraordinary new chapter for us.
2023 2020 > 2026
Caring for tomorrow’s generation

By launching our group-wide Sustainability Strategy, we gave our environmental responsibility a clear meaningful direction — for real action.
2024
Transforming together — new Roadmap 2030

A new strategic direction begins for us: We are moving forward with ambitious, bold goals, operational excellence and sustainable, responsible growth, guided by a clear Roadmap 2030.
2025
Celebrating 75 years of foam excellence

A milestone year shaped by our people and some impressive foam stories: 75 years of foam excellence, new energy‑efficient halls in Belgium, EcoVadis Gold (NMC SA), and NOMAPACK® profiles with 35% post‑consumer recycled content.
2026
Acquisition of PTI expands our North American presence

This milestone strengthens our international footprint and supports our ambition to be closer to our customers through innovation, local manufacturing expertise, and tailored foam solutions.

‘Foams that fit’ is more than a product promise. It is our commitment to create the right solutions, with the right people, in the right markets.
Foamly One

— with one fitting team. With over 1,600 people across 24 global Group company sites, we are growing according to the same principle that characterises our foam materials: a strong, interconnected cell structure.