FRESNO, Calif. – Mattress manufacturer Pleasant Mattress has named Josephine Bass director of finance.
Bass joins the company after serving in similar roles with companies in the Fresno, Calif., area that have implemented the lean manufacturing platform Pleasant Mattress has recently implemented.
Prior to joining Pleasant, Bass was the controller for Fresh & Ready Foods. Previously, she held a number of executive roles for Haskel International, a manufacturer of high-pressure pumps and valves. Along with providing in-depth analysis and progress tracking on operations, supply chain and regional goals, Bass managed the re-layout of Haskell’s Burbank plant to employ Lean Six Sigma disciplines in cell layouts.
“There is a close relationship between finance and our operating in a lean manufacturing environment,” said Rion Morgenstern, CEO of Pleasant Mattress. “Jo’s experience will assure finance and manufacturing are more closely aligned to help us achieve our strategic goal.”
Bass’ appointment is the third personnel appointment in the company’s move to institute lean manufacturing throughout the organization. Last year, Pleasant named Carter Gronbach president. Earlier this year, the company promoted Brian Rivera, a certified Six Sigma leader, to plant manager.
“Lean principles have been proven to help companies improve the bottom line,” Bass said. “Using my skills in this area, I will be in a position to help the leadership team quantify the impact of the changes we are making and provide support to other departments, while also working toward transforming our administrative functions into a lean operating model.”
Pleasant began implementing several lean initiatives into its operations to improve manufacturing efficiency. It relocated the production of foam encasements from four facilities to one and improved the overall flow of raw materials and finished products through the manufacturing process.
“Jo is a great addition to our staff,” Gronbach said. “She is a diversified leader with an extensive manufacturing background including lean manufacturing, which will help us build our team as we focus on driving continuous improvements from the front office to delivery.”
