“Behind every small business, there’s a story worth knowing. All the corner shops in our towns and cities, the restaurants, cleaners, gyms, hair salons, hardware stores- these didn’t come out of nowhere”- Paul Ryan, U.S. Congressman and Chairman of the House Budget Committee.
Businesses come and go. Due to resources, location, competitors, and various other concerns, local businesses face a series of ongoing obstacles to overcome in order to thrive in their community. Located on the corner of Chase Street and Douglas Avenue, lies the Restonic Mattress Factory, a local establishment that has been a part of the Woodland Heights neighborhood since 1955.
The Restonic Mattress Factory all started when the McKinney Bedding Company bought the facility from Springfield Canning Company back in the 50’s. The original facility, which was built in the 20’s, still stands as part of the factory’s infrastructure today.
Lloyd McKinney, President of McKinney Bedding Company and owner of the Restonic Mattress Factory, has been working at the factory since he was 12 years old. His father started the factory back in the 50’s and after his passing in 71, Lloyd McKinney took over the factory overseeing product development.
Restonic has a total of 28 employees, many of which are from the local neighborhood. “I think we are considered good neighbors,” McKinney said. The factory provides tours of the factory to the children of Bowerman Elementary School, located on Douglas Avenue.
Besides being a positive human resource for Woodland Heights, the factory does not use any hazardous chemicals that pollute the environment. “Everything we use is biodegradable,” McKinney said.
Restonic produces a variety of mattress types and it’s primary customer base is retail stores.
Reaching New Heights 