HS Manufacturing, LLC (“Hickory Springs”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company, has hired a new director of sales for its Micro bedding products business and a new product manager for its textiles product segment. In addition, the company has promoted a new director of operations for its Micro operations.
First, Hickory Springs has named Gary Melder as director of sales for its Micro bedding products business. Operating under the supervision of Tim Witherell, vice president of Hickory Springs Bedding, Melder will drive the sales and growth of the company’s Micro product lines, which include Flexecore.
“With over 30-plus years of sales and management experience, Gary is a seasoned veteran in the Home Furnishings industry and has a wealth of knowledge that we are lucky to tap into,” Witherell said. “I look forward to working with Gary, maximizing his strategic business and financial expertise, as we position our Micro products for continued growth and success.”
In his new role, Melder will concentrate on driving sales and bolstering the Micro product line, while raising awareness and increasing customer knowledge of the company’s sustainable products.
Melder joins the Hickory, North Carolina-based company from Serta Simmons Bedding where he most recently served as senior director of the buying groups.
“I am excited to be the new director of sales for Micro products,” Melder said. “I am looking forward to leaning into my industry experience to help strengthen our current business and foster new partnerships as we approach the back half of 2022 and look forward toward the new year.
“With the industry turning toward sustainable products, Hickory Springs Micro lines are at the forefront,” he added, “and I am eager to bring awareness of how these products can help our customers and the industry.”
A native of San Diego, Melder is a graduate of Texas State University. He resides in Austin, Texas, with Tiffany, his wife of 11 years. He also has a 24-year-old daughter, Molly. Melder enjoys running monthly half marathons in his spare time.
In addition to Melder, Hickory Springs has hired Jimmy Fleming as product manager of its textiles product segment.
Reporting to Witherell, Fleming will be responsible for the sales and growth of Hickory Springs’ textile products. “Hiring Jimmy was an opportunity to bring aboard an industry veteran who will help us strengthen sales in our current textile markets, as well as use his knowledge to target other markets and forge new relationships,” Witherell said.
Fleming joins the company following a 30-plus-year tenure at Tietex International, a global manufacturer of stitch bonded, non-woven fabrics, where he most recently served as senior account manager.
“Joining the team at Hickory Springs is both an honor and an exciting opportunity,” Fleming said. “With Hickory Springs being a leader and innovator in the industry, I look forward to working with everyone and being a part of the company.”
Finally, Hickory Springs has promoted Sean Brasted to director of operations for its Micro operations. He will also report to Witherell and lead operations for the three micro facilities located in Phoenix; Sheboygan, Wisconsin; and Hickory, North Carolina.
“Sean has worked hard over his career with Hickory Springs and I’m excited to see him use his skills in a leadership role,” Witherell said. “As we continue to see an increased demand for our sustainable Micro products, we are investing in both people and products. Sean will help drive the operational excellence we need to meet customer demands.”
Brasted began working in manufacturing for Hickory Springs in 2002 at the Sheboygan plant and has held many roles within the company. A Sheboygan native, Brasted is an avid hunter and fisherman in his spare time.
“Giving our employees the tools to succeed and more ownership of their operational activities is our path to success,” Brasted said. “Having spent 20 years at Hickory Springs working up from an entry-level position, I’m looking forward to sharing my range of experience from the ground level and above to promote empowerment within our organization.”
