1982
James, then 19 years old, trains with master mattress maker Noel Twomey from Cork who had recently retired from his own business.
1983
Natural Sleep is born with one small Singer sewing machine. Husband and wife team James and Mary Rose found the business together in Ballylanders, Co Limerick.
1984
The first customer was Joe Whelan, Main Street, Tipperary Town. These mattresses were handmade and crafted by James.
1985
Interest in Natural Sleep increases. The first decade focuses on sales and growth.
1990
Natural Sleep is stocked in retailers across Munster.
1992
The first extension goes up to cope with demand.
1993
The Natural Sleep Adjustable Bed range is launched.
1996
Another extension is added to the premises.
2001
Major expansion, and the workshop is doubled in size.
2002
On the 11th of April 2002, then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern opens the brand-new extension. A day of celebration with family and employees.
2005
James and Chris travel to the United States to invest €600,000 in innovative mattress machinery and technology.
2006
Building of 15,000 sq ft warehouse to cope with rising demand.
2007
Nature’s Finest Mattress wins an award at the RDS furniture show in Dublin.
2008
Economic crash hits hard and production slows down.
2012
Production recovers at a slow pace.
2015
James and Chris travel to the United States again to investigate new mattress in a box technology. Over 90% of mattresses produced in the US are rolled and boxed.
2018
Natural Sleep makes the bold move to develop a full range of high-quality mattress that are rolled and boxed. We are the first mattress company this side of the Atlantic to do so.
2018
Investment of 1.5 million euro in an automated line to produce high quality mattresses.
2020
Demand for organic materials increases, and Natural Sleep launches a new Organic Collection, developed over many years and built on our approach to a more natural night's sleep across all our ranges. Made with only 100% natural, certified organic materials, these mattresses are launched exclusively online with a new website, and are made to order and shipped direct to consumer.
2020
The Covid pandemic hits and disrupts production. The factory has to shut for eight weeks.
2023
In April 2023 Natural Sleep receives an Irish Business Design Challenge award from the Design & Craft Council of Ireland for our Organic mattress range. We are recognised for “minimising environmental impact through eco-friendly production methods and recyclable packaging, while also supporting local craftsmanship in Ireland."
In October 2023, Natural Sleep held a showcase event to display our newly updated range. Retailers came from all over the country to this event to learn more about our handcrafted ethos and family business.
2024
The move to a mattress in a box model is a success allowing us to easily supply all 32 counties in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our own dedicated delivery team as well as investment in an outside logistic team provides incredibly fast delivery to retail customers.
Exports to the UK and Spain are growing steadily with lead times of 3/4 days. Exports to the US are also looking promising. Business in the last three years has increased by 30%. There is a combined total of 40 employees, full time and seasonal.
2025
Redesign and rebranding commences of Natural Sleep's collections for retail, hotels and hospitality. Renovation of the Limerick showroom and lease signed on a new Dublin showroom, to propel our family run business into the next decade for the next generation.
2026
A new look for Natural Sleep Co. with the launch of new branding and website, alongside our first foray into bricks and mortar with our first retail premises. Natural Sleep's Dublin showroom on the Long Mile Road brings all our collections under one roof for the first time.
We are excited to introduce even more people across Ireland to a more natural way to a great night’s sleep.
