Our Company

The year was 1930. Businessman Ellis E. Phillips, Sr. was more optimistic about the future than many business people of the depression era. He founded Cotton Belt Mattress Company and began operation in Rocky Mount, NC. The original factory manufactured cotton mattresses that were sold and delivered up and down the East coast from Maryland to South Carolina. In 1932, the factory was moved to Pinetops, NC, its current location. The company increased its production to include inner spring mattresses. Studio couches were added to the line in 1935.

The company’s name shortened to Cotton Belt, Inc. as other products were added to the line such as sleepers, sofas, chairs and recliners. The sales and delivery territory increased to include Pennsylvania and Georgia. In November of 1935, the company experienced a setback. A large brick building housing Cotton Belt burned to the ground with a loss estimated at the time of $50,000. The flames spread quickly and the building was nearly destroyed, but the company quickly continued its operations.

Over the years, the business that started as a small specialty manufacturing shop has evolved into a large manufacturing operation with a greatly expanded line of products. It now manufactures a full line of upholstered contract furniture called Edgecombe Furniture. The mattress line includes a full line of bedding called Sleepworthy. In 2000, the mattress production moved into a separate manufacturing facility still in Pinetops, NC.

The Cotton Belt, Inc. enterprise spans four generations. Ellis E. Phillips, III is now president, and his children Robert H. (Bob) Phillips and Mary P. Walter now manage the two plants. The employee total includes 80 local citizens. Company manufactured products are now shipped to all fifty states and overseas.