Huddersfield infant mattress specialist closes doors after drop in sales

Huddersfield-based specialist infant mattress manufacturer, The Handmade Mattress Company, has closed its doors after eight years of trading.
Michael Crossland
By Michael Crossland
Published 22nd Aug 2023, 06:00 BST
Updated 22nd Aug 2023, 12:51 BST

The company, which previously traded under the name Abacus Baby LTD, manufactured 100,000 mattresses per week at its peak, and achieved £4 million in revenue in 2021. Following a period of rapid expansion, the company saw a decrease in orders which resulted in the closure of the business.

Sheffield-based firm Wilson Field was appointed as administrator last month.

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A joint administrators report stated: “Unfortunately, towards the end of 2022 the company lost two large customers meaning that sales forecasts were dramatically reduced to the 2015 level of £1 million. At the start of 2023, other long-standing customers significantly reduced their orders.

The Handmade Mattress Company manufactured 100,000 mattresses per week at its peak.The Handmade Mattress Company manufactured 100,000 mattresses per week at its peak.
The Handmade Mattress Company manufactured 100,000 mattresses per week at its peak.

“The directors sought to downsize the business to reflect the lower level of turnover and staffing levels were reduced accordingly. This proved to be unsuccessful as the company was committed to fixed costs of leases and loans that were not affordable and which could not be reduced immediately.”

More than 300 items from The Handmade Mattress Company are now currently up for sale by online auction. Asset advisory firm Walker Singleton, which is hosting an online auction, has invited bids on the company’s stock and operational equipment, which includes manufacturing equipment , packaging and furniture, as well as two light commercial vehicles.

Related topics:HuddersfieldSheffield