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!
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.”
October is Manufacturing Month! To celebrate, we’re spotlighting the hardworking and dedicated people behind our businesses and products.
To kick us off, meet Madelin Castro, Master Technician for our Bedding business! She’s been with us for almost 7 years and runs the coilers that help make our ComfortCore® units.
“I feel very proud to be learning a new job that I never thought I could do,” says Madelin. “I recently became a master technician, and I’m happy in this new position. I’m also happy that L&P gives us opportunities to advance into new and better job positions.”
When she’s not at work, Madelin enjoys shopping, spending time with her family, and going to church.
Thank you, Madelin, and congratulations on your recent promotion!
At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.
To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories. This month, we’d like you to meet Jon Gullette, Branch Manager at Leggett & Platt Flooring Products – Tracy, in Tracy, CA! We asked Jon about his military experience and why he joined Valor.
What would you like to share about your military experience?
I was fortunate to see many foreign countries during my period of service. I deployed six times during my career. During my sea tours, I deployed overseas four times with land-based anti-submarine squadrons (VP-46 & VP-9) and twice with a shipborne anti-submarine squadron (VS-38) aboard the USS Constellation (CV-64) during the Persian Gulf War. My other duty stations include NAS Whidbey Island (P-3 Weapons system Instructor) and NAS Lemoore (F-18 I-level maintenance facility). I also had the great honor of advancing to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and working directly with the Commanding Officer of AIMD Lemoore.
What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?
I was motivated to join the Navy so I could see the world. My passion was for flying, and the job I took when I joined the Navy allowed me to do that as a Naval Aircrewman in P-3s, which were anti-submarine aircraft. I was able to visit places like Africa, Oman, India, Pakistan, Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and China. One goal was to set foot on every continent, and I was able to accomplish most of that. The only continent that I have not visited is Antarctica.
Why did you join Valor?
I joined Valor to help raise awareness of the struggle that service members face when they exit the service. It is a difficult transition even for people who stay only briefly. So, helping others be successful outside the service is very important to me.
Thank you, Jon, for your service, for sharing your experience, and for helping strengthen Valor’s community!
Every day, our TA professionals help connect job seekers around the world to L&P. We’re proud of them and grateful for their dedication to shaping a positive candidate experience and growing our L&P community.
Help us celebrate them by getting to know them a little better. We’ve got musicians, artists, animal lovers, and more on our global TA team!
April Lowe-Royster,Senior TA Manager: You’ll never see April without pearls on!
Carla Maselli, Senior Talent Advisor: Carla is teaching Junior – her cockatiel bird – to talk, but so far, Junior only knows how to bark thanks to Carla’s dogs. We’ll get him to say “Hi, Mommy,” soon enough!
Carley Smith, Senior Talent Advisor: Carley is a Minnesota Vikings fan (despite never having been to Minnesota).
Danielle Sattler, Talent Advisor: Danielle just welcomed a new puppy – a toy poodle named Lainey – into her home. Lainey has the cutest curls, lots of energy, and wants to chew everything!
Felicia Bond, TA Manager: Felicia’s passion and hobby is painting, and one day, she hopes to start an art-focused business. We’ve seen her art, and we know she’ll be successful!
Ginna Gonzalez, College Programs: At one point, Ginna’s dinner table hosted five languages, three time zones’ worth of jet lag, and one universal truth: laughter really is the best translator. Over the years, Ginna has had the privilege of serving as a host parent to international students – ages 7 to 60 – seeking cultural immersion and learning English.
James Tilley, Senior TA Manager: James lived in Spain as a child and speaks Spanish. Also, he’s got the cutest sausage dog named Oscar.
Jimmy Xia, TA Manager: Jimmy’s beard grows extremely fast – like he-can’t-miss-a-day-of-shaving fast.
Kathy Bolan-Thorman, Senior Talent Advisor: Kathy enjoys live theater and volunteers at several local venues. As a kid, she recruited the neighborhood kids and organized live shows in her garage – and only charged 10 cents a ticket.
Taelor Harden, HR Intern: Taelor plays the clarinet!
We’re proud to share that one of our own HR leaders, Renata Mattos – Director of HR – Automotive, North America – was recently featured in Manage HR magazine!
In the article, “How HR Can Drive Strategic Initiatives in Times of Uncertainty,” Renata reflects on her over 20 years of experience across South and North America, highlighting how HR can create people-first workplaces that thrive even in the face of change and challenges. She shares insights on building resilience, fostering connection, and empowering employees – drawing on both her time at Leggett & Platt and her earlier career in Brazil.
Congratulations to Renata on this well-deserved recognition!
At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.
To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories. This month, we’d like you to meet Matt Caldwell, VP of Hospitality Sales for our Flooring Products business! We asked Matt about his military experience and why he joined Valor.
What would you like to share about your military experience?
I served in the U.S. Army between 1984 and1988 as an air defense artillery specialist (16S) with the Stinger – a shoulder-fired missile designed to shoot down enemy aircraft. After basic training, I went to jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, and served four years in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?
My dad served in the U.S. Navy and after hearing his stories and seeing photos, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in the military. For me, the Army provided a standard that required performance at a higher level. Many of the skills I learned in the Army are ones I still use today.
Why did you join Valor?
I’ve always believed that those who served our country are special and deserve my attention. With Valor’s launch, it was a natural move to become a member and connect with others who have served, as well as their families.
Thank you, Matt, for your service, for sharing your experience, and for helping strengthen Valor’s community!
At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.
Kenny
To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories. This month, we’d like you to meet Kenny Gay! We talked to Kenny about his career at L&P, military experience, and why he joined Valor.
Tell us about your career at L&P.
I joined L&P as Receiving/Costing Manager for the Winchester Steel branch in January of 2000. Within a year, I became Compliance Manager for the Winchester Steel and Georgetown branches. The following year, I was promoted to EHS Director and Corporate Loss Control Engineer for our Bedding business. After a leave of absence, I returned to L&P as Corporate Loss Engineer, serving as a liaison for our Hume Furniture business and some of our ECS branches. I was later promoted to my current role, which is Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager for Furniture in North America.
During my time with L&P, I’ve visited many international branches – including facilities in South Africa, Uruguay, China, Croatia, Holland, England, Mexico, Canada, and Brazil – to provide EHS assessments and improvements.
What would you like to share about your military experience?
I’m a veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves.
I joined the military on October 10, 1988. After I got out of basic/AIT (Advanced Individual Training), I went to several schools while on active duty until I transitioned to the Reserves in June of 1999. Next, I had a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to an Army Reserves unit in Lexington, KY. Then, I received a PCS out of the Reserves in June of 2004.
While in the military, I visited many countries and regions such as Korea, Mt. Sinai in Egypt and the Middle East, Panama, Germany, Italy, Israel, Greenland, Switzerland, and Austria.
While serving, I saw some combat. I was very proud and honored to be a part of that experience because I deemed it a service to make the situation better.
What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?
I joined the military because I was burned out on sports. I met a recruiter who asked me if I would like to get an education while getting the opportunity to travel the world and I did! The discipline and structure I gained from being in the military prepared me for the civilian world. Military service taught me that nothing is given – you must earn everything you seek to be really good at and with work comes reward!
Why did you join Valor?
I joined Valor because the transition from military to civilian life is hard unless you have someone to help guide you. I joined so our loved ones could have a liaison that they can reach out to when they need help or guidance. I want to help with the transition experience – to make things better for veterans and family members while they’re adjusting to the civilian world.
A military career and civilian life are two different worlds, but there is a common goal to succeed.
Thank you, Kenny, for your service, for sharing your experience, and for helping strengthen Valor’s community!
At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.
Will
To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories!
This month, we’d like you to meet Will Wright, Environmental Health and Safety Manager – Europe. We asked Will to share about his military experience and why he joined Valor.
Can you tell us about your military experience?
I served in the British Royal Navy for 15 years (2000 to 2015) and was lucky enough to serve all over the world, including in the Gulf, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean, and Antarctica where I served on frigates and island patrol vessels. I also served in tri-service units in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as numerous shore establishments.
What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?
I joined the military to follow in the footsteps of my father and grandfather who both served in the Army. I was also looking for a career that provided adventure, training, and purpose.
During my time in the military, I learned that anything is possible with a motivated and focused team and that I was much more capable than I ever realised. Serving in the military provided life lessons and gave me a strong work ethic, which I have taken forward into my EHS career. Serving also helped me be thankful for what I have in life.
Why did you join Valor?
I joined Valor to help provide a community for veterans and service affiliates. When I left the military, community is something I missed and it is difficult to replace, so having a community focused on veterans and armed forces affiliates was a driver for me.
Another driver was to be part of a platform to provide reassurance and help family members of military personnel understand service life. I want to provide advice, guidance, and resources to people transitioning to civilian life, as I know that the transition can be difficult, especially when trying to identify transferable skills from service and communicate them in a way that makes sense in the civilian community.
Thank you, Will, for your service, for sharing your experience, and for helping strengthen Valor’s community!
When it comes to safety, staying informed of best practices, trends, and the latest science can save lives.
Max
Our colleague Max Thorpe, Regional EHS Manager, recently attended the Michigan Safety Conference to learn from other safety professionals and strengthen safety practices at L&P. We talked to him about what he learned and why prioritizing safety is important to him.
What did you learn at the conference?
I attended presentations around sustainability, machine guarding, respirations, near miss reporting, PFAS (aka forever chemicals) remediation, and more.
I learned a ton about respirators. In my work area, we currently do not require them, but this conference helped me understand respirator requirements and how to determine what respirators are required for specific jobs.
How will you apply what you learned at L&P?
In safety speak, a “near miss” is an event that could have resulted in someone being hurt or damaged property but didn’t due to quick remediation or some other factor.
I am going to implement some changes to improve the quality and quantity of near miss reporting. I plan to implement a ‘Near Miss Hall of Fame,’ which will be a tool that helps the production team highlight their recording of near misses.
Why is prioritizing safety important to you?
Every day, I want my teams to go home to their loved ones. I believe that people have a right to work in a safe environment and should not have to take risks that impact their lives.
Thank you, Max, for putting people first by prioritizing safety!
