Malouf and Sinomax USA have formed a strategic capital enterprise that combines premium branding and American manufacturing.
Eric Rhea joined the organization as head of business development to add industry expertise, deep production knowledge and strong insights into the U.S. market. Rhea’s advanced knowledge of componentry and coil production will help the organization develop new capabilities, making them the future of American sleep manufacturing, the company said.
Frank Chen, chief executive officer of Sinomax USA, said, “By partnering with Malouf and adding Eric to our organization, we are more integrated than ever before from manufacturing to a full brand experience. We have a decade of capital investment in U.S. manufacturing, and our long-term goal is to be the premier American manufacturing partner for all things sleep.” Chen added, “Sinomax USA is now manufacturing adjustable bases, and we are launching a comprehensive base program at this market.”
Rhea said, “I’m thrilled to join this team. They’re making strategic and meaningful investments in U.S. manufacturing. By blending the branding and marketing expertise of Malouf with the manufacturing strength of Sinomax USA, this will be an incredibly dynamic organization. We will be a very robust partner in a market where retailers are dealing with large-scale mergers and searching for options.”
Rhea is a long-time veteran of the sleep industry, with experience in componentry, global manufacturing, development and leadership. He was president of Leggett & Platt’s bedding group from 2011 to 2020 and CEO of Corsicana Mattress from 2022 through their recent acquisition in 2025. He was also president of the CRH North American infrastructure group from 2020 to 2022.
Sam Malouf, chief executive officer of Malouf, said, “Eric is already adding so much value to our work. Recent years have been challenging, but we’re stepping into 2026 with 95% of key SKUs stocked. Eric’s experience, combined with Sinomax USA’s manufacturing expertise and Malouf’s brand power, makes me so excited for the next stage of our company and what we can bring to our retail partners.”
