Furmanac, the UK’s largest adjustable bed manufacturer and an industry leader in the manufacturer of lift-and-recline chairs, has appointed Buzz Pattar, its production director of seven years, as new MD, replacing John Hilliard.
John says of Buzz's appointment: "I am delighted to pass the mantle to Buzz, who has proved he will be a more-than capable MD to Furmanac. With his product knowledge, enthusiasm and persona I have every confidence he will continue to drive the business forward and maintain our high levels of service, product and company values."
Buzz adds: "I have the utmost respect for John and have learned a great deal from him over the past few years. It’s an honour to now follow in his footsteps as the next MD, although I will of course be blazing my own trail as I have high ambitions and plans for the future of Furmanac."
Furmanac has gone from strength to strength over the past 48 years, and according to the company this success can be accredited to a number of factors, one of the most fundamental being the leadership of its MDs.
Under the guidance of founder Reginald Hilliard, Furmanac originated as a component supplier to the furniture industry. John Hilliard became MD in 1992 and developed Furmanac into a manufacturing business to encompass the MiBed, MiChair and Hestia brands.
John steered the business through the recession and supported the growth of Furmanac from being a small, family-run business to a company with a £15m turnover in 2015. Having served as MD for over 23 years, John is now a recognised name throughout the industry.
Last June, Buzz became MD designate. Over the past eight months he has grown the business further and is set to achieve an £18m sales target for 2016. He has also witnessed Furmanac being awarded the 1000 Companies to Inspire by the London Stock Exchange during this period.
