Article comprising foam plastic covered with an outer surface strengthening layer

In an article such as a structural member and the like having high static and dynamic strength values comprising a core of foamed material having bonded thereto at an outer portion thereof a bonded laminate composed essentially of an outer skin and a reinforcing insert comprising at least one mat-fiber fleece combination in which the mat and fiber fleece are joined so as to constitute a single unit, with the mat disposed adjacent the skin and the fiber fleece disposed adjacent the foamed core and the foamed core penetrating the fiber fleece, the improvement which comprises the material forming the skin penetrating from the skin, partially through the insert to an outer portion of the foamed core, and at least through the outermost mat so that the outermost mat is completely embedded in the material forming the skin.