Southerland Names Seasoned Bedding Operations Executive to Lead Nashville Factory

Furniture World News Desk on 8/8/2018

Independent mattress producer Southerland recently announced that it has named Steve Klancnik, a veteran bedding operations and product development executive, as general manager of the company’s flagship Nashville, Tennessee, factory. Klancnik, who most recently worked for Serta Simmons Bedding, brings more than a decade of mattress industry quality control, product development and engineering experience to his new post.

He reports to Don Pflug, executive vice president of operations for Southerland.

“Steve’s considerable experience in a wide range of operational aspects of our industry will allow him to make immediate contributions to our flagship facility,” said Pflug. “His collaborative leadership style, communications skills and passion for making great products that help people sleep better make him a great fit for our organization.”

Klancnik was vice president of new product introduction and sustaining at Serta Simmons Bedding for more than three years, and earlier spent nearly eight years as vice president of research and product development at Serta.

Before working in the bedding industry, he spent 16 years in various finance and operations posts at fitness equipment manufacturer Life Fitness, including a nearly four-year stint as director of global manufacturing.

“Southerland is one of the nation’s leading independent manufacturers and I was excited about the challenge of helping them grow and expand their flagship facility. The company’s focus on product innovative and exacting quality standards have been a hallmark of my career so I feel right at home,” Klancnik said.

Klancnik holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Iowa, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from DeVry University.

More about Southerland: Southerland has been making quality mattresses in the U.S. since 1893. Using only best-in-class materials and components, Southerland currently sells its line of mattresses and adjustable bases throughout 43 states. By implementing its stringent quality assurance program, Southerland manufactures mattresses that are backed by the company’s “making it right” philosophy that stands behind every product delivered. Each of its products is delivered to retailers via its wholly-owned transportation company. The company’s six production and distribution facilities are located in Nashville, Tennessee; Cleveland, Phoenix and Oklahoma City total more than 400,000 square feet.