Serving Scott County for
More Than 104 Years!

Tempur Production to Expand R&D to Duffield Location

Lisa Watson McCarty
Publisher

A pillow and mattress manufacturer plans to investment millions in research and development that will bring 20 new positions to its Duffield plant.

Yesterday morning officials with Tempur Production USA Inc. announced their intentions to invest $3.5 million to create 20 new research and development jobs at the plant. Tempur currently employs around 300 and produces premium mattresses and pillows using a patented technique at its Duffield facility.

“The expansion of our R&D and process development capabilities in Duffield demonstrates Tempur-Pedic’s commitment to continued leadership in product innovation in the bedding industry,” stated Matt Clift, Executive Vice President of Global Operations of Tempur-Pedic International Inc. “I would like to thank our employees, the State of Virginia and Scott County for helping us make this expansion possible.”

Clift explained that the performance of his Duffield crew was a reason the company decided to invest more capital in Scott County

“We are pleased with the employees here at our Duffield plant,” Clift added. “This is a great tribute to the performance of our team.”

He introduced Tempur Production Vice President Tom Mickelson and Duffield Plant Manager Lars Hansen.

“We are dedicated to this plant and we are dedicated to our customers,” Clift concluded. “We plan to set the pace for the bedding industry in the coming years.”

Tempur-Pedic uses a formula to manufacture mattresses and pillows that was originally used for NASA to relieve the pressure of G-forces exerted on pilots during liftoff and flight. The company was founded in 1992 in Lexington, Ky. and went public, trading on the New York Stock Exchange in December 2003.

New positions created at the plant will be primarily engineers and scientists working on core research and development of foam chemistry and mechanical properties. Officials also plan to build a new state-of-the-art testing facility at the site, concentrating on testing of the company’s core products.

State Sen. William Wampler, following a whirlwind trip of Virginia on Monday, expressed his satisfaction on his recent purchase of a Tempur-Pedic pillow. On the advice of his doctor and following neck surgery, Wampler was encouraged by his doctor to try the product.

“I can highly recommend your products,” Wampler explained. “It’s great to see a facility add new jobs to its existing workforce.

“We recognize the value of what Tempur Production USA means to the region. This is a regional park and all jobs brought to it benefit the region.”

Wampler added that yesterday’s announcement added up to a $60 million investment spent by the company at their Duffield location. Announcements were aided by incentives provided by the Virginia Enterprise Zone legislation, which rewards companies with tax incentives as long as employees are paid wages above a specific amount.

The senator presented Tempur officials with a ceremonial check from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission for $50,000.

“On behalf of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, we are just delighted with the strong performance and contributions of Tempur, which has become one of the flagship private sector firms in our region,” Wampler added. “As a legislator, it’s exciting to see such quality jobs created for our people.”

Dr. David Redwine, chairman of the Scott County Board of Supervisors, explained that new jobs help buy gas, groceries and help families thrive and survive in the region.

“Tempur Production continues to be a great corporate citizen with its significant contributions to our workforce and the local economy,” Redwine said. “The high-level research and development jobs that Tempur is adding are fantastic news for the people of Scott County and the region.”

Redwine explained the county had given approximately $1 million in tax incentives over the past five years to the company and agreed the enterprise zone had made a significant difference in the Duffield Industrial Park.

“We thank Tempur Production USA for having confidence and faith in Scott County,” he added.

Blake Wilson, chairman of the Duffield Development Authority, said the DDA had supported Tempur in the past and would continue to do so in the future. He added that the creation of jobs was what was important at any announcement.

First District Del. Terry Kilgore, who was in Richmond during yesterday’s announcement, explained earlier how the Tobacco Commission was involved.

“We have used a small portion of the Tobacco Commission’s funds to acknowledge and reward our private sector employers for bringing new wealth and disposable income to the tobacco regions of Virginia,” said Kilgore, who serves as vice chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Commission.

In addition to the Virginia Tobacco Commission, others involved include Lenowisco Planning District Commission, Scott County Economic Development Authority, Duffield Development Authority, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Tempur Production USA Inc. is a subsidiary of Tempur-Pedic International Inc.

Business Directory

Vacation Guide