History / Future

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Shifman was created in 1893, when two brothers, Abraham and Samuel Shifman, established a company built on the simple notion that not all sleep was created equal. Together they created a company committed to manufacturing superior bedding and providing the ultimate in comfort and quality to their customers. Founded in Newark, New Jersey, A. Shifman & Bro. Mattress Company revolutionized the mattress industry by creating a tradition of excellence in bedding.
 

Twenty-three years later, Samuel bought the company and, with the inclusion of his three sons, Milton, Simon and Arthur, changed the company name to Shifman Bros., Inc. In 1918, the company moved to its current location at One Mott Street in Newark, NJ.

As the years passed, Shifman grew to become the second largest bedding producer in New Jersey. After World War II, Samuel’s grandsons, Burton and Robert joined the company. Burton was placed in charge of production, ensuring that each Shifman mattress was made to the highest standards of quality. Robert was entrusted with the responsibility of growing sales.

The company continued to produce the finest quality handcrafted bedding, but was slow to adjust to changes in the industry. Consumers wanted firmer bedding, more fashionable covers and brand name recognition created by advertising.

In 1985 Mike Hammer, a bedding professional with more than 22 years of experience in sales and manufacturing, entered the picture. Mike was looking to join a company that would not sacrifice quality or attention-to-detail in order to cut costs.

After touring the factory and witnessing first-hand the tremendous quality built into every Shifman mattress set, Mike was intrigued. Shortly thereafter, he accepted an offer to purchase the company and renamed it the Shifman Mattress Company. From that day on, Mike pledged to continue the legacy of Abraham and Samuel Shifman by maintaining the superior standards of quality, excellence and integrity.

Mike Hammer instituted major improvements to the design of the mattresses while still maintaining the tradition and commitment to excellence. As a result, the company has experienced tremendous success and has significantly increased its retail presence in fine furniture and department stores throughout the country.

In 1994, Mike’s youngest son, Bill, joined the team and is currently the company’s president, responsible for running day-to-day operations. In 2008, the company expanded its facility by 40 percent in order to enhance its manufacturing capabilities to meet the growing demand for its mattresses.

The future of the company is clear. Bill intends to continue to honor the company’s heritage and commitment to quality while embracing new technologies and processes so the company can evolve with the times. His goal is to expand by sharing Shifman’s fine bedding products with customers across the country while remaining true to Shifman’s roots.