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King Koil has a new VP of operations, Latexco received its GOL certification, and Spring Air adds and all-natural pillow to its line-up.
With 30 years of experience in operations and manufacturing, Don Pflug has been named King Koil’s new vice president of operations.
Pflug’s new role extends a career that has included positions in which he led the manufacturing and operations segments of several mattress producers. He reports to David Binke, chief executive officer of King Koil.
Joining the company at a time of strong sales growth, Pflug has established a long-standing record in implementing lean Six Sigma concepts into the operations of many manufacturers, which “have achieved cost savings, greater efficiencies, and improved productivity,” according to the company.
He received certifications in Lean Six Sigma from Villanova University, including a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
“Don’s experience in operations, including his expertise in lean manufacturing, adds a new dimension to the many operational facets of our business,” Binke says. “We have been aggressive in ramping up production to meet the surge in demand we have been experiencing since the back half of last year. With Don on board as our head of operations, we will ensure that we meet our customers’ needs as efficiently and as profitably as possible.”
Pflug was most recently executive vice president of operations for Southerland, where he introduced Lean Six Sigma concepts across the manufacturing, purchasing, safety, quality, and transportation departments.
Before Southerland, Pflug served in a variety of roles in a 15-year stint with Sealy and Tempur Sealy International—including assistant director of manufacturing at one plant and director of manufacturing at two facilities. He then became vice president of operations for the East region and vice president – Sealy domestic bedding plants (after Tempur-Pedic acquired Sealy in 2012).
“Under its new leadership team, King Koil has done a tremendous job reimagining an already great brand and experiencing the robust growth of that successful strategy. I look forward to helping raise the bar on the manufacturing side of the business to support this growth,” Pflug says.
King Koil also recently announced that it’s expanded its factory in Arizona with the addition of 40,000-square-feet of manufacturing space—a nearly 50 percent increase.
The factory now measures 130,000-square-feet, and the company plans to add 20 additional employees, bringing the total employed to 90.
“Our retailers are experiencing a surge in demand from consumers who have more disposable income to spend on upgrading their homes and who are also placing more emphasis on innovation and luxury, two key areas of the market where we have focused our efforts the past few years,” said Binke. “This strategy has proven successful as we continue to see this trend with high-end consumers who are focused on improving their overall health and sleep performance rather than focusing on the lower-end products that are saturating the market today.
Latexco Obtains GOLS Certification for NaturalFoam
Latexco U.S. has received GOLS certification for its NaturalFoam line of natural latex mattress cores, toppers, and pillows—made from 100% natural latex that has been harvested from plantations free from chemical herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers.
GOLS is the Global Organic Latex Standard recognized and supported around the world by manufacturers and stakeholders in the latex industry to certify that the products are made from natural latex organically grown progressively over time.
It assures a traceable path and procedure from the farm source to the certified organic latex product manufacturer. Among other factors, manufacturers approved under the GOLS logo must follow mandatory social and environmental regulations monitored and certified by the Control Union.
“We are the only latex foam manufacturer in the U.S. that offers an entire assortment of latex, and now it includes GOLS certified latex. Research shows strong trends that more consumers are seeking organic products because they are concerned about the wellness of their family and want their home free of harmful chemicals,” says Jim Gutierrez, general manager of Latexco US West.
More information on NaturalFoam is available in this video. The GOLS certificate is available here.
Spring Air Adds All-Natural Pillow
Spring Air International has launched the Natural Talalay Latex Pillow as part of its Nature’s Rest brand.
The pillow is made with natural Talalay latex, is roll-packed, and fits in an earth tone-themed, retail-ready display box that provides a natural aesthetic.
“Today’s consumers have an affinity for all-natural, environmentally friendly products such as mattresses and pillows,” says Nick Bates, president of Spring Air. “As demand for this product segment continues to strengthen, it’s important for us to support our retail partners with products that help them better serve this customer. Nature’s Rest is a go-to brand for many consumers who want a natural, restorative and healthy night’s sleep, so adding the pillow is a natural next step. Our retail partners are looking for products that can spark add-on sales, so we are considering the possibility of adding pillows to our other brands as well.”
Talalay latex is a material that regulates body temperature and repels mold and bed mites. Like the Nature’s Rest mattresses, the pillow is designed to conform to the body’s shape, thus providing an extra level of comfort by relaxing the muscles and relieving tension in key pressure points.
The pillow is available in queen medium-loft and medium firmness and is priced at retail for $119 and carries a five-year warranty.
