Sweet dreams for next generation

John Platt, Nicholas Hill and Andrew Hill

Fifth-generation family firm Platt and Hill Ltd has been making luxury mattresses in the heart of Oldham since 1889.

And now the company is launching its first new business in over 120 years, the English Mattress Company (TEMCo, www.theenglishmattresscompany.co.uk) — to make luxury mattresses for sale online.

The original company founders collected cotton flock from local mills to stuff bedding and furniture.

Four more generations of the family have followed them, sending hand-made mattresses across the world.

The company is now run by current-generation family members Andrew Hill, John Platt and Nicholas Hill, all of Diggle.

Sales director Andrew (40) said: “The English Mattress Company is our opportunity to show consumers the expertise, workmanship and attention to detail that go into making truly luxury mattresses.”

Since the company makes its products by hand, any size or shape is possible.

Operations director John (42) said: “From extra-long or circular to fit a unique bed to luxury pet bed mattresses for the ultimate pampered pooch present — we can do it all.”

All the company’s products have been made in Oldham’s cotton mills: first the now-demolished Beehive Mill, home for the first 70 years, and today Belgrave Mill in Hathershaw.