History
OUR HERITAGE - 80 YEARS OF FAMILY CRAFTSMANSHIP
Mr Thomas Sidney Smith founded Downland Bedding Company in 1946 and it remains a family owned business to this day. It’s heritage is built on 3 generations of expertise and a commitment to better sleep.
What began as a small family venture has grown into one of the UK’s leading most trusted bedding manufacturers - a name synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability.
This legacy continued under the leadership of Thomas’s son Graham Smith and later his grandson Fraser Smith - both guided by the same family values and entrepreneurial spirit on which the company was founded.
Based in Liverpool our operation spans over 140,000 square feet of warehousing and on-site UK manufacturing. Supported by a global sourcing network through our Shanghai office our efficient supply chain delivers consistency, flexibility and dependable service.
Founded in England
Mr Thomas Sidney Smith establishes the Downland Bedding Company beginning production in England.
National High Street Recognition
Downland quickly became a leading brand, supplying iconic retailers such as Selfridges, Debenhams, John Lewis and House of Fraser.
Park Lane Office Opens
Downland opens its Park Lane office in Mayfair, London and forms a trading partnership with ICI to supply Terylene filled products.
Largest Global Suppliers of Natural Filled Products Outside the USA
Duvets begin to replace blankets and Downland are at the forefront of this expansion with state of the art feather purifying machinery.
1 Million Pillows Produced
Downland produce 1 Million pillows in a year for the first time and towels are introduced to the range.
New Building, Machinery & Branding
An extensive investment includes acquiring a 65,000 square foot factory and 3 new production lines. A website launches in China introducing the brand to Asia.
New automated Microfibre Pillow Line Installed
A new automated production line has been installed to manufacture microfibre pillows more efficiently and at higher volumes.
New Branding Concept Launched
Introducing the Downland Duck and the implementation of the Huggleland and Cooldown range extensions featuring new innovative products.
New Senior Team Leadership
Recruited with an abundance of textile and retail expertise.
Two New Fully Automated Production Lines
Installed to accommodate growing demand. Downland achieves GRS Scope Accreditation.
Downland Celebrates its 80th Anniversary
A family business grown for generations.
Investing in Our Future...
A defining strength of Downland’s 80-year journey is our commitment to investing in the future whilst honouring our heritage.
Key milestones included:
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Reinforced our long-term vision during eight decades of family leadership
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Acquired an additional 65,000 square feet at our Liverpool site, expanding operational capacity
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Enhanced manufacturing capability to support continued growth
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Invested with purpose to better support our customers
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Strengthened the foundation for the future
Today Downland remains committed to quality, innovation, investment and building long-term partnerships with it’s suppliers and customers alike.