Our ambition was never about square footage. It was about the reach of our craftmanship and to be known for what we make.
1981 A new beginning in Friesland
Ben & Anke Feenstra trade Amsterdam for the tranquility of Friesland. They open 'Elck wat wils', an antique shop in a charming old farmhouse. Little did they know, this modest start would lay the foundation for a maritime comfort revolution.
1990 The next generation
Gerben, inspired by his parents' entrepreneurial spirit, sees an opportunity. With his savings, he buys tools and sets up his workshop in a small shed behind the farmhouse. Armed with nothing more than his upholstery skills and a healthy dose of determination, he begins restoring antique chairs.
1999 Growing pains
Business is booming, and the little shed is bursting at its seams. A new addition to the farmhouse provides much needed space for the growing company. The extra room allows for more creativity and larger projects.
2006 A new era
As antique sales decline; a new opportunity emerges: yacht upholstery. Gerben and his partner Magdalene make a bold decision to focus mainly on yacht upholstery and bespoke sleeping comfort. Comfortis® is born, marking the beginning of a new era in maritime comfort.
2009 Groundbreaking innovation
Listening to customers' needs leads to a groundbreaking idea. After hours of experimenting with cardboard models, Gerben develops a patented electric slat system for boats.
2010: Their first superyacht project in 2010 South France mattresses and slatted bases for all crew cabins. puts them on the map in the luxury maritime world.
2016-2019 Expanding horizons
Success brings its own challenges; the farmhouse workshop is now too small. Plans for a new, purpose-built facility in Lemmer are set in motion. The move marks a significant milestone in Comfortis® growth.
Demand continues to grow, leading to the rental of additional space. A showroom opens in Lemmer, allowing clients to experience Comfortis® quality firsthand.
2021 Cutting-edge technology
Investment in a CNC foam-cutting machine elevates production capabilities. This move combines traditional craftsmanship with modern precision.
2022-2024 Building (for) the future
As orders keep flowing in, plans for further expansion take shape. The new facility in Lemmer, boasting 6000m² of space, becomes a reality. It's a far cry from the small farmhouse workshop, but the spirit of innovation and quality remains unchanged.
Crafting comfort is in our nature
From a small antique shop to a leader in maritime comfort solutions, the Comfortis® story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship. Today, we continue to push the boundaries of comfort at sea, always remembering the small shed where it all began.