Luxury British bedmaker Vispring has announced that Jim Gerety, Managing Director, and Chris Harrison, Operations Director, are retiring.

Jim Gerety joined the business as Sales and Marketing Director in 2011, where he was promoted to Managing Director in 2016.

Chris Harrison joined Vispring in 1981 at the age of 19 as a Storage Assistant; from there, he progressed to the factory floor, tufting and packing mattresses and later moved on to the dispatch department. In 1994, he became one of Vispring’s first Team leaders, which resulted in the implementation of ground-breaking lean manufacturing processes.

Commenting on the retirements, Vispring said: “Jim’s passion for the bed-making industry saw him deservingly elected as president of the National Bed Federation last year, where he will continue to encourage their members to thrive in the increasingly challenging and competitive industry.

“During his 40 years at Vispring, Chris Harrison has shown great commitment, not only to the company but also in his efforts to support and champion the Shetland wool industry over the past decade, helping to significantly improve wool prices to help to ensure a thriving wool industry for generations to come.

“We hope you will join us in wishing both Jim and Chris the very best as they begin this new chapter of their lives.”

Martin Gill, Managing Director of And So To Bed, has been appointed as the new MD at Vispring.