Leggett & Platt history

Together, they produced the components of their Leggett & Platt bedspring, which was patented in 1885.

The company built its first factory and offices in Carthage in 1890.

By 1895, the partnership had its own factory and offices, a two-story building that housed both sides of the young business's operations and contained its entire work force, which at that point totaled seven people, including the two founders.

So, from 1901 forward, the newly named Leggett & Platt Spring Bed & Manufacturing Co. seemed resigned to fulfilling one need with one product, with little effort expended toward expanding the company's scope.

Demand for the company's improved bedsprings was rising, and a second plant was built in Carthage in 1925.

In that time he initiated the introduction of the company's first new product in 50 years and its first diversification into another market in 1933.

A new factory was established in 1942, the first new location for a Leggett & Platt facility since the Louisville plant opened nearly 50 years earlier.

For some time, Texas had proven to be a main market outlet, and in 1947, a major factory was built in Ennis, Texas.

1948 – Expansion of product line beyond bedspringsAs comfortable bedding and furniture products became more mainstream, demand increased dramatically.

The first step in this direction was achieved during Cornell's first year as president, in October 1960, when the company acquired a small wood-working plant in Springfield, Missouri.

1963 – Two product divisions developed With a growing number of products to keep track of, Leggett & Platt created two product divisions: components and home furnishings.

1967 – Leggett & Platt went public 1967 was a historic year: the first Super Bowl took place, the 25th Amendment outlined Presidential succession, and The Beatles released Magical Mystery Tour.

1968 – New wire-drawing mill streamlined wire supplyIn conjunction with Armco Steel Corporation, Leggett & Platt built a wire mill in Carthage, MO, with each company owning half interest in the facility.

Through a joint venture with Armco Steel Corporation, Leggett & Platt constructed a wire mill in Carthage in 1970, enabling the company to satisfy virtually all of its wire needs within several years.

Twelve years later, on June 25, 1979, top management was present in New York City to witness the stock's first day listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

1981 – Leggett & Platt went international When you have a product patented in 23 countries (like our Mira-Coil®), it only makes sense to expand on a global scale.

Gordon Manufacturing Co., a Grand Rapids, Michigan, manufacturer of chair controls and steel bases for office furniture, was acquired in 1984, followed by the purchase of Northfield Metal Products, a leading manufacturer of similar products, a year later.

1985 – First joined Fortune 500 list of largest United States manufacturers At the ripe old age of 102 (and looking not a day over 50), Leggett & Platt was included in Fortune magazine’s list of the 500 largest industrial companies in the United States at number 489.

1986 – Bonded foam carpet cushioning added to the product lineThe acquisition of MPI, Inc. brought polyurethane foam for bedding and furniture as well as carpet cushioning to Leggett & Platt.

1990 – $1 billion in sales With numerous acquisitions, Leggett & Platt hit $1 billion in sales in 1990.

Then the company began to show signs of recovery, recording a relatively small gain in 1992 of nearly $90 million to reach $1.17 billion in revenues.

1994: Fashion Bed Group, the largest metal bed manufacturer in the United States, is acquired.

In 1997, Leggett & Platt acquired a total of 29 companies, including Cambridge Tool & Mfg.

1999 – First joined the S&P 500 Index In 1999, Leggett & Platt acquired 29 international companies in places like Australia, Brazil, and Italy.

Overall, Leggett & Platt acquired 79 companies that were integrated into the company's residential furnishing segment by 2000.

For only the second time in its history as a public entity, the firm recorded a drop in sales--3.8 percent--during 2001.

We're a behind-the-scene foundation for Sears, manufacturers, and ultimately consumers." With its long-standing record of success and a February 2002 five-star rating by Standard & Poor's, Leggett & Platt promised to remain a prosperous business entity for years to come.

2006 – David S. Haffner became CEO With a renewed focus on innovation, product development, and growth, Haffner closely examined operations and revised Leggett & Platt’s strategic plan for the future.

2012 – Joined aerospace industry With the acquisition of an aerospace tubing company, Leggett & Platt ventured into the final frontier.