How a Twente mattress factory blends tradition with sustainability
Discover how Hilding Anders in Vroomshoop crafts mattresses by hand, prioritizes sustainability, and supports local jobs. With 70% of its workforce from Twenterand, the factory’s innovative approach impacts both the economy and environment.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Hilding Anders (formerly Eastborn) |
| Location | Vroomshoop, Twenterand, Overijssel |
| Employees | ~110 (70% from Twenterand) |
| Global Reach | Supplies to 40 countries, part of a 5,000-employee international group |
| Production Method | No stock; all products pre-sold, handcrafted and automated processes |
| Sustainability Focus | Uses recycled materials (steel, foam) for reusable products |
| Markets Served | Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland |
The municipality of Twenterand, represented by Alderman Arjan Hof, engages with local businesses to understand their economic and social contributions. This visit highlights the role of local government in fostering regional employment and sustainable industry practices.
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Behind the scenes at mattress manufacturer
Curious, Alderman Arjan Hof and company contact officer Jacqueline Tuinbeek walk through the showroom of Hilding Anders in Vroomshoop. Between the many box springs, Tom Weits enthusiastically tells them about the company. Along with colleagues Dirko van Merkerk and Annemiek Postma, he not only shows the finished products but also gives the visitors a tour of the factory. This way, they get a complete picture of how the beds are made.
Hilding Anders has a rich history. The company started small, under the name Eastborn. In 1996, Eastborn made an important decision: it stopped producing bed frames. As the first in the Netherlands, the company chose to focus entirely on box springs. In 2007, it entered into a collaboration with the international company Hilding Anders, which employs around 5,000 people worldwide and supplies to 40 countries. “But you hardly notice that here in Vroomshoop,” says Tom Weits. The factory employs about 110 people, of whom around 70 percent live in the municipality of Twenterand.
Craftsmanship remains important
Every day, dozens of complete box springs and mattresses leave the factory. Some of the work is automated, but much of it is still done by hand. As the alderman looks around the production hall, Tom explains that all beds are already sold before they are made. “We never produce stock. Every product already has an end user.” The factory consists of three departments: the sewing room, assembly, and logistics.
Reusing materials
Sustainability is high on the agenda at Hilding Anders. Dirko van Merkerk explains that the company increasingly uses recycled materials, such as steel and foam. “This means our products can also be disassembled and reused after use.” Tom emphasizes that the company is continuously working on new developments to meet consumer demands. “We keep moving forward,” he says. The beds from Pullman and Eastborn in Vroomshoop are now sold in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland.