MATTRESS INDUSTRY NEWS RELEASE
News release written by Shifman Mattress Co. and published, unedited, by BedTimes
Sisters Margarida Pereira and Albina Lourenco still enjoy working side by side every day
Newark, NJ, Jan. 11, 2017: Thirty years ago this week, Margarida Pereira applied for and attained work at Shifman Mattresses factory headquarters in Newark, New Jersey. Four months prior, Margarida’s younger sister Albina Lourenco had also applied and secured a position in the sewing department. Neither sister had prior sewing experience but they were grateful that owner Mike Hammer took a chance on them. “We appreciate the work and the way that the owners and managers treat us. They treat us like people, they talk to us,” Pereira said when asked how she felt about having worked for the Hammers and Shifman for so long.
From left, Mike Hammer, Shifman Mattress Co. CEO; Margarida Pereira; Albina Lourenco; and Bill Hammer, Shifman president; posing for a photo while commemorating Margarida’s 30th anniversary with the company
Shifman CEO, Mike Hammer, remembers hiring the sisters in 1986. “They started within three months of each other. At that time we needed good help and patient people,” Hammer recalls. “When I purchased the company a year prior, the facilities and machines were antiquated and we needed people who were willing to work and apply themselves to the company. They helped to change the company for the better. The direction of the company changed tremendously because of their dedication and willingness. Margarida and Albina are great workers and they gave me the inspiration to keep going even when it was difficult.”
Since that time many changes and advances have come about at Shifman Mattress Company. “They are really hard workers and run their department leading by example.” Phil Zucker, General Manager speaking of the contribution that the sisters make to the company today. “They cross train other sewing operators, they are team leaders and add value to our company every day – we are very happy to have them still working here after so many years.”
When asked what Margarida would most like for others to know about Shifman, and her 30 years here at the factory, she stated, “the friendships…our fellow sewing operators in the department and the owners. We have been very lucky to have such a good place to work and to have the opportunity to work for such good people all of this time.”
About Shifman Mattress Company
Shifman Mattress is a family-owned company, and a leading designer and manufacturer of luxury, handmade, two-sided mattresses. Built with the same commitment to quality, integrity and true craftsmanship by which the company was founded on over 120 years ago. Shifman maintains its heritage and continues to proudly handcraft its mattresses at its 84,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Newark, NJ. Shifman has a proven track record of creating strategic partnerships with its dealers to increase retail sales and provide unmatched customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.shifmanmattresses.com.
Contact:
Michael McAteer
Shifman Mattress Co.
(973) 589-2400
[email protected]
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