Investment surpassing £250,000 in Coalisland, NI-based furniture group, Comfizone, has led to increased capacity at the bed manufacturer’s two County Tyrone production facilities as the company looks to ramp up its production with the easing of restrictions.
In addition to the investment, the company is creating 25 new roles – including 15 full-time and 10 part-time positions – in manufacturing and logistics.
The Comfizone Group – the owner of Washingbay mattress craft, Restwell Manufacturing and Irish Contract Beds – was manufacturing approximately 1500 beds per week pre-pandemic, and now expects to make in excess of 2000 beds weekly, which will be dispatched to national stores and independent retailers throughout the UK and Ireland.
Comfizone’s MD Peter Bradley explains: “With pent-up demand due to 12 months of on/off restrictions in retail, we have seen a huge appetite for Comfizone products as the UK and Ireland start to reopen. It’s been a challenging period, but we are extremely grateful that there’s an incredible demand for our products from our national retailers and independent stores.”
To manage the increased volume of customer orders and expected upturn in future business, Comfizone has invested in new systems, developed new supply chains, streamlined ordering processes and is expanding its workforce to ensure the business is well placed to service increased consumer demand for household furnishings.
Peter continues: “Like every business, the past year has provided our business with unprecedented challenges and caused us to adapt in a way it never has before. As the first lockdown lifted, we experienced a significant upturn in orders that we had never experienced before. The demand for our products was exacerbated by macro factors such as lockdowns within our suppliers’ countries, a global shortage of shipping containers and the uncertainty of Brexit, coupled with the importance of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our team by implementing social distancing and new working patterns.”
The Comfizone Group used the time to review its operations, secure new global suppliers, invest in its systems and focus on NPD. One of those developments is under way and, later in the year, the company hopes to launch a new eco product which will reduce its packaging and utilise new second-life, recycled material to create a sustainable bedding product that does not compromise on comfort.
Peter concludes: “With the reopening of retail, we are optimistic about the future. We remain committed to being the number-one mattress manufacturer in Ireland, and our investment in the business and recruitment drive will ensure the Comfizone Group continues to grow.”
The Comfizone Group was founded in 2005 by Patrick Bradley, and its bedding products include some of the latest advancements in sleep technologies designed to achieve comfort and ergonomic support through the use of new construction techniques and materials. The business has grown to become one of Ireland's leading manufacturers of mattresses, divan beds and headboards for trade and contract clients across the UK and Ireland.
Pictured: Comfizone's operations director Tony McCuskey, head of finance Brian McCann, and MD Peter Bradley
