Southerland Offers 5 Tips for Retailers to Re-Open

Furniture World News Desk on 5/20/2020

Independent sleep products manufacturer Southerland announced that it has developed a five-point plan to help its retail partners reopen to keep employees, consumers and products safe as the nation resumes business. The retailer safety plan identifies five areas that should be addressed – store and warehouse sanitation, employee wellness checks, required use of masks, proper social distancing and additional regulations for delivery drivers.

Developed from Southerland’s own corporate program designed to maintain a healthy environment for its employees, products, customers and end consumers, the checklist provides retailers with a list of safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control,  other government agencies and health officials.

“We, as an industry and a company, are currently operating in unprecedented times and everyone is anxious about safety,” said Bryan Smith, president and chief executive officer of Southerland. “As retail doors begin to open back up, we know consumers will remain cautious in choosing where they shop. Because of that, we wanted to share some of our best practices with our valued partners to help reassure their teams and customers. With information about the virus being updated daily, we will continue to follow the latest safety and health recommendations available.

Southerland’s in-house plan includes a detailed cleaning protocol throughout the company’s six facilities, employee wellness checks, staggered work shifts and additional regulations for its Southerland Transport drivers.

Southerland’s safety plan started in its factories located in Tennessee, Arizona, Oregon and Oklahoma where the company has implemented stringent cleaning routines disinfecting the factories before and after each shift to prevent exposure from asymptomatic carriers. Every employee is given a wellness check that includes temperature screens prior to entering the building to begin work. Employees who fail the check are sent home and not allowed to return until being cleared by a healthcare provider.

To accommodate the recommended “social distancing” by the Centers for Disease Control, Southerland has implemented shifts with staggered start times to allow six feet between team members, and all employees are required to wear masks at all times throughout the day.

Southerland Transport, the company’s dedicated delivery operation, requires its drivers to where PPE in public locations and conduct frequent surface cleaning. It also prohibits drivers from entering Southerland factories at any time.

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 in Nashville, Tennessee; Phoenix, Arizona; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Tualatin, Oregon, total more than 470,000 square feet.