Better Sleep Through Science. ®
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Lori Imhoff Corporate Communications (770) 512-7700 Stan Steinreich Steinreich Communications (212) 786-6077
SIMMONS MOVES HIGHER ON FORTUNE’S LIST OF 100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE AND SUCCESS OF C.H.O.I.C.E.S. PROGRAM CITED AS KEY FACTORS FOR HIGH EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION ATLANTA – Simmons Company, one of the world’s largest mattress manufacturers, has again been named to FORTUNE Magazine’s current list of “The 100 Best Companies to Work For” in its January issue for the second consecutive year. Simmons moved up seven notches in the ranking to number 93, nestled between Harley Davidson and Publix Supermarkets. The company was the only mattress manufacturer to make the list, and one of only a handful of Georgia-based companies to be included. “This honor is one of the most meaningful for a company because our associates complete a survey that reflects their spirit and enthusiasm, their dedication to our customers and our philosophy of doing business,” said Simmons Chairman and CEO Charlie Eitel. “It is particularly gratifying that we have now made the list twice, in two consecutive years, and that we have moved higher up in the rankings,” he added. FORTUNE’s selection is based on answers provided to a survey that was randomly distributed to company associates and the magazine’s evaluation of the company in the areas of culture, compensation and benefits, work-life balance programs, opportunities for individual growth, job security and pride in the company. Typically, more than 300 companies are considered for the list. -more-
SIMMONS BEST PLACES TO WORK LIST TAKE 2-2-2-2-2 Nearly five years ago, under Eitel’s leadership, the company initiated a dramatic change process led by Simmons management from across the country that assembled to create a new strategic direction for the company. The acronym C.H.O.I.C.E.S. evolved out of that meeting as the company’s values that provide guidance and goal alignment for the future of this 135-yearold company. The acronym C.H.O.I.C.E.S. stands for Caring, History, Opportunity, Innovation, Customers, Empowerment and Support. Earlier this month, Simmons adopted a new corporate philosophy of Changing Lives Night After Night™. At the core of this new message is the belief that by constantly innovating and through in-depth consumer research, Simmons will help people worldwide sleep through the night and lead more productive and fulfilling lives. “We continue to grow and expand upon these initiatives to assure that Simmons continues to have a dynamic workplace that offers our associates the ability to learn, grow and excel, both personally and professionally,” said Executive Vice President of Human Resources Rhonda Rousch. “All our 3,000-plus associates across the Simmons network share a great sense of pride in being recognized by FORTUNE Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For.” Atlanta-based Simmons Company is one of the world's largest mattress manufacturers, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of products including Beautyrest®, BackCare®, BackCare Kids®, Olympic® Queen, Deep Sleep® and HealthSmart. The Company operates 17 non-juvenile bedding and three juvenile bedding manufacturing facilities across the United States and Puerto Rico. Simmons is committed to helping consumers attain a higher quality of life through better sleep and supports that mission through its Changing Lives Night After Night™ philosophy. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.simmons.com.
-more-
SIMMONS BEST PLACES TO WORK LIST TAKE 3-3-3-3-3 This press release includes forward-looking statements that reflect Simmons’ current views about future events and financial performance. Words such as “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “forecasts” and variations of such words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events, results or trends, or that do not relate to historical matters, identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that the events, results or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Investors should not rely on forward-looking statements because they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) the level of competition in the bedding industry; (ii) legal and regulatory requirements; (iii) the success of new products; (iv) our relationships with our major suppliers; (v) fluctuations in costs of raw materials; (vi) our relationship with significant customers and licensees; (vii) our labor relations; (viii) departure of key personnel; (ix) encroachments on our intellectual property; (x) product liability claims; (xi) the timing, cost and success of opening new manufacturing facilities; (xii) our level of indebtedness; (xiii) interest rate risks; (xiv) future acquisitions; (xv) an increase in return rates; and (xvi) other risks and factors identified from time to time in our and our predecessor’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 10-K for 2003, and the Form 10-Qs filed for the first, second and third quarters of 2004. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, either to reflect new developments or for any other reason.
-30-
SIMMONS COMPANY ONE CONCOURSE PARKWAY ATLANTA ,GA 30328-5369 (770) 512-7700 www.simmons.com.