At our Hanes Industries branches, we convert textiles into components used by manufacturers of bedding, upholstered furniture, and home furnishings accessories.
As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Cynthia Benfield, Bag on Roll Machine Operator at Hanes Industries!
Cynthia has been with Hanes for 23 years and currently makes bags and covers for various types of furniture.
“I am proud of my job and always try to perform with the best of my knowledge,” says Cynthia. “Outside of work, I like to go kayaking and do gardening around the house.”
Thank you, Cynthia, for taking pride in your work!
In our Flooring Products business, we manufacture and distribute foam, rubber, and fiber-based flooring underlayment for residential and commercial use. Our products provide support, cushioning, and noise reduction under all kinds of flooring, including carpet, laminate, and hardwoods.
As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Dickie Thornton, Clamp Truck Operator for our Flooring Products business!
He operates the knuckle boom crane and grinds foam scrap to make rebond carpet padding.
“I’ve been working with L&P for two years, and I am proud of the duties I perform,” says Dickie. “Outside of work, I am a sound technician and work with a sound engineer for music bands.”
Thank you for taking ownership and pride in your work, Dickie!
We’re a leading supplier of automotive seating comfort and motors and actuators. Our seating products are designed to enhance consumer comfort, and our motors and actuators deliver differentiated consumer conveniences and safety features.
As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Karthick Ravichandran, Quality Technician Supervisor for our Automotive business!
Karthick has been with us since 2009 and currently helps ensure our seat cushions are high quality.
“Quality is never an accident – it’s always the result of intention, effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution,” says Karthick. “Over the years, I’ve cultivated a deep pride in my ability to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes, supported by my growing skillset and the collaborative team. Today, I continue to build on that foundation, bringing efficiency, empathy, and strategic insight to every challenge.”
Thank you for ensuring our products are high quality, Karthick!
At our Spühl facility in Switzerland, preparing the next generation of vocational students for the workforce is a tradition. For more than 100 years, Spühl has offered apprenticeships to local students and graduated approximately 700 apprentices since record keeping began.
Out of Spühl’s current employees, 35 of them completed vocational training with Spühl. These former apprentices now work in all areas of the company!
Apprenticeships typically last three to four years, and apprentices work at places like Spühl while attending vocational school. At Spühl, apprentices gain hands-on experience in various professions like automative engineering, design engineering, polymechanics, production mechanics, and logistics. From their third year of training onward, they work exclusively in productive roles within the company.
Thirty students are currently in Spühl’s apprenticeships program, and seven students just graduated! Once students graduate, they can enter military service, seek positions at other companies, be hired by Spühl, or work at other Leggett & Platt locations. Of the seven apprentices who recently completed their basic vocational training with Spühl, Elias Thür was hired as a polymechanic.
“I really enjoyed my training at Spühl,” says Elias. “During four exciting years of apprenticeship, I learned a great deal about the polymechanic profession. I was able to perform many interesting tasks in a wide range of areas, from milling and turning to assembly and logistics. I really enjoyed the variety of the work and couldn’t imagine a better training program for myself.”
Spühl’s recent graduates from left to right: Timo Wild, Juri Ifflaender, Elias Thür, Colin Schild, Berkin Ulutas. Not pictured: Janic Mettler and Noah Sammali
We’re grateful to our team at Spühl for their commitment to providing career development opportunities!
In our Flooring Products business, we manufacture and distribute foam, rubber, and fiber-based flooring underlayment for residential and commercial use. Our products provide support, cushioning, and noise reduction under all kinds of flooring.
As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Victor Hernandez, Senior Process Improver for our Flooring Products business!
Victor has been on the team since 1984 and works on projects that improve our processes and productivity.
“I’m proud of so many things – the work that I do, the machinery I build to make L&P more efficient, and friendships I’ve built over the years,” says Victor. “When I build something and I see that it works, that’s the reward for me. When I joined L&P, I remember Bob Ambrose (rest in peace) was one of the first managers to trust me with the improvement process. I carry that commitment to this day and am proud of the results.”
When he’s not at work, Victor works on his home and classic cars. He has a 1969 El Camino that he would like to break apart and build back up from scratch.
Thank you, Victor, for focusing on continuous improvement every day!
At our Hanes Industries branches, we convert textiles into components used by manufacturers of bedding, upholstered furniture, and home furnishings accessories.
As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Kenyada Sledge, Panel Cell Machine Operator at Hanes Industries!
Kenyada has been with us for four years and currently slits and perforates panels of fabric for various types of furniture and bedding.
“I am proud of my ability to work with my team members to get the job done right and meet our production goals every week,” says Kenyada. “Outside of work, I like to spend time with my kids and go to sporting events.”
Thank you, Kenyada, for doing great work with your team!
Our Home Furniture business is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality recliner motion mechanisms, seating systems, and sleep sofa hardware. Our products enhance comfort, motion, and style in upholstered furniture.
As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Bobo Schmidt, Prototype Builder for our Home Furniture business!
Bobo has been with our Kintec team for 20 years, building prototypes, developing welding fixtures, and working closely with his team to improve our products.
“As a prototype builder and tooling specialist, I’m brought in whenever craftsmanship and creative problem-solving are needed,” says Bobo. “No two days are the same – and that’s exactly what I love about my job at L&P.”
Thank you for your creative solutions that drive impact, Bobo!
In our Hydraulic Cylinders business, we manufacture engineered hydraulic cylinders used in mobile equipment applications and heavy construction equipment. Our products often operate in demanding environments where equipment dependability is vital in maintaining the safety of personnel and goods.
As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Murugan Muthu, Assistant Manager for our Hydraulic Cylinders business!
Murugan joined L&P as a production technician in 2007 and leads projects that improve efficiency and enhance employee safety.
“I continue to embrace opportunities that challenge and inspire me,” says Murugan. “Looking forward to next year, I’ll focus on process optimization and using lean principes to eliminate waste. I’m excited to recharge, refocus, and lead with intention.”
Thank you, Murugan, for taking ownership and raising the bar!
Today is World Mental Health Day – a day to discuss mental health and raise awareness.
The reality is that mental health affects millions around the world:
301 million people struggle with anxiety disorders.
280 million people face depression.
60 million people live with Bipolar Disorder.
Substance Abuse also impacts millions and often co-occurs with other mental health challenges.
These numbers underscore the reality that mental health challenges are widespread and affect people in every community. While the issue is global, practical steps in our daily routines can help safeguard our well-being in the workplace.
Take breaks throughout the day: Even a few minutes to breathe, stretch, or take a walk can help reset your mind.
Disconnect at the end of the workday: Protect your personal time to charge and rest.
Build connections with colleagues: Positive work relationships foster a sense of belonging and reduce stress.
Prioritize tasks and say “no” when needed: Setting boundaries helps manage workload and prevent burnout.
Practice gratitude and mindfulness: Reflect on what went well to shift your perspective.
You can read more about World Mental Health Day and find additional resources here.
In our Flooring Products business, we manufacture and distribute foam, rubber, and fiber-based flooring underlayment for residential and commercial use. Our products provide support, cushioning, and noise reduction under all kinds of flooring.
As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Robert Deimund, Wrapper Operator for our Flooring Products business!
Robert goes above and beyond to assist others and ensures we produce quality rolls of carpet padding.
“I am most proud of my strong work ethic and attention to detail, which allows me to contribute to our quality products,” says Robert. “Outside of work, I like to attend church, work in my yard, and spend time with my family. I also like to take day trips and family vacations.”
