Edgecombe Furniture

In 1930, Businessman Ellis E. Phillips, Sr. was more optimistic about the future than many business people of the depression era, when he founded Cotton Belt Mattress Company in Rocky Mount, NC. The original factory manufactured cotton mattresses that were sold and delivered up and down the East coast. In 1932, the factory was moved to Pinetops, NC, its current location, where the company increased its production to include inner spring mattresses and studio couches. The company's name shortened to Cotton Belt, Inc. as other products were added to the line such as sleepers, sofas, chairs and recliners. In November of 1935, the company experienced a setback. Cotton Belt's building burned to the ground, incurring a colossal loss. The building was nearly destroyed, but the company quickly picked up the pieces and 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 division includes a full line of bedding called Sleepworthy. 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.