Expansion Management

At this Factory, Even the Workers are Sanitized

Feb. 19, 2009

Wouldn't this be a great place to work? The employees don't smoke, they don't wear perfume and they don't even emit that pleasant odor that comes from fabric softeners. Outfitted in sanitary production smocks, the employees at Organic Mattresses, Inc. reflect the company's environmental commitment.

Its Eco-Factory in Yuba City, Calif., is smoke- free, chemical-free and fragrance free. And it is the first mattress factory in the U.S. to receive the GOTS certification. GOTS is the Global Organic Textile Standard. Their mattresses are the first, and only, mattresses in North America to receive the GREENGUARD certification. This certification is given to products that meet a low VOC-emission standards.

As the people and factory are "pure" so too are the products. The mattresses, pillow tops and foundations and made with natural rubber, organic cotton and organic wool, a natural fire retardant. There are no chemicals of any kind used in OMI products, which are also sanitized with ozone to protect against contamination from bacteria and molds.

The materials for the products originate from American organic farmers and the cotton is certificated organic which means it is grown and processed without chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or fertilizers.

Even the compressed air that clears lint from the mattresses is sterilized.

They seem to have thought of everything.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.