Inside the Jonic workshop
Making mattresses
With the bedlinen side of the business well established, Nicky was approached by a mattress retailer, asking if Jonic would be interested in manufacturing mattresses for it to sell.
Nicky told me they decided to give it a go, and she spent hours watching videos to see how pocket-sprung mattresses were made, followed by more hours dissecting examples. Initially, Jonic manufactured mattresses for the third-party company, but the marriage didn’t last. It was then a case of cutting out the middleman.
Jonic now manufactures and sells mattresses for caravans as direct replacements for those supplied, and Nicky said that not only is there a roughly 50/50 split between bedding and mattresses, but they now also have plenty of repeat customers, who order a new mattress from Jonic when they buy a new van.
As well as the bedding,
Jonic also now manufactures rock and roll beds (a seat that folds out to form a bed) and kitchen units for campervan conversions.
Future plans
As for the future, the company has plenty of developments and new ideas in the pipeline. I was privileged to be shown a video (and given a sneak preview) of one of these projects, which is the Citibed.
In the daytime, this is a front seat in the lounge of a caravan (motorhome, boat or anywhere else with limited space), which at the touch of a button, will convert into a ready-made bed.
I can’t go into too much detail at this stage, but Jonic is in advanced talks with at least one of the major van manufacturers, and is hoping the Citibed will be introduced for the 2023 touring season.
As manufacturers strive for lighter caravans, this could be a huge development. Further down the line, it might even herald a reduction in numbers of larger fixed-bed models.
All of the Cannon family are still involved in the company, and Nicky said every member of staff is hugely valued.
Jonic is currently setting up a Senior Team, with a view to starting a special academy for underprivileged children, to help them build a future career.
Nicky said: “We’re working to be the most desired employer in the region,” and with Jonic’s track record, I won’t be surprised if they achieve that very soon.
‘ In 2011, Jonic moved again, to its current 6000 sq ft premises – although they are looking for a larger place, such has been the growth recently’