1894-2024
Celebrating 130 years of manufacturing in Chicago.
Read the press release: Freedman Seating Commemorates 125 Years
It was over 130 years ago when Hyman Freedman began making seat cushions for horse-drawn buggies. He knew his craft well and alongside his employer, Columbia Cab Company, exhibited at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. On June 26, 1894, Mr. Freedman was awarded a diploma of honorable mention for his upholstery skills at the event.
Over a century later, the tradition of quality work continues. Freedman Seating Company is a family owned-and-operated business committed to meeting the highest standards in the industry. Today, FSC employs nearly 800 people and is one of the world’s largest specialty seating manufacturers.
2024 is a year to celebrate manufacturing, transportation, small business and the thousands of men and women who have worked with the Freedman family over the last 130 years.
Interested in a group tour of Freedman Seating’s manufacturing facility? Contact JP Paonessa.
The World’s Columbian Exposition
May 1, 1893
Hyman Freedman exhibits in the Transportation Building alongside employer, Columbia Cab Company.
Honorable Mention
June 26, 1894
Hyman Freedman receives an honorable mention for his upholstery skills at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
U.S. Patent #1843550
February 2, 1932
Hyman Freedman receives first patent (1843550) for spring seats.
Skee-Whee
December 10, 1969
The Skee-Whee was a unique concept. In place of a rear wheel drive, the bike is propelled by a track system (similar to the snowmobile) that moves the vehicle over most any terrain, light snow, sand, or grass.
Move to 4545 W. Augusta Blvd.
October 1, 1999
Freedman Seating Company moves to a new 350,000 sq. ft. factory and and office space on the west-side of Chicago. The famous building was once home to Motorola and the invention of the 2-way radio.
U.S. Patent #6398302
June 4, 2002
Gerald Freedman receives patent (6398302) for adjustable child seat.
4ONE Joint Venture Established
October 1, 2005
A joint venture with USSC Group to offering seating solutions for all sectors of public and commercial transportation throughout the US and Canada.
Freedman Mobility Seating
December 21, 2011
Freedman Seating Company purchases the assets of Braun Seating, The new company, Freedman Mobility Seating (FMS), produces seats for the mobility van market, as well as high line seating for the small and mid-sized bus market.
Best In Show at BusCon Expo
September 26, 2014
Freedman Seating was honored to accept the award for “Best New Product or Service” for the Eleganza Collection by FMS Seating. The new line of executive seating offers three distinctive seats with impeccable comfort and style: the Napoli, the Bellagio, and newest edition, the Trieste.
Facility Expansion
February 5, 2015
Craig Freedman is joined by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Alderman Emma Mitts as we open our new Engineering and Purchasing Offices, part of a $10 Million expansion project resulting in an additional 200 jobs over the last two years.
Craig Freedman Appointed to U.S. Commerce Secretary’s Manufacturing Council
February 11, 2015
Comprised of 30 private sector leaders selected for their expertise and industry perspectives, the Council advises the Commerce secretary on policies to strengthen the manufacturing economy and create jobs.
Craig Freedman Honored with Diversity Award
August 11, 2015
Barnes & Thornburg LLP sponsored its 6th Annual “Celebration of Diversity” reception and dinner honoring diversity trailblazers. Cook County Commissioner Richard R. Boykin (1st District) invited Craig Freedman, President, to be an honoree at this year’s celebration held at the University Club of Chicago.
New Employee Gym Opens
May 2, 2016
We are committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. Partnering with Trodo, we are elevating employee potential through individual and team development, and group-based functional fitness programming.
Freedman Seating Awarded NYC Ferry Project
August 1, 2016
Freedman Seating was awarded the New York Citywide Ferry Service Project, which will include Freedman’s Gemini seat throughout its 19 vessels. The new vessels built by Metal Shark and Horizon Shipbuilding will carry an estimated 4.6 million passenger trips per year.
Freedman Seating Adopts Environmental Policy Statement
March 9, 2017
Freedman Seating Company is committed to managing the environmental impact of our operations. It is our policy to assure the environmental integrity and sustainability of our processes and facilities at all times.
Freedman Seating Sells Its Portion of 4ONE, LLC
July 31, 2017
In conjunction with the sale, USSC and Freedman Seating have entered into a long-term manufacturing agreement.
Transit USA Tour Completes 35,000-Mile Road Trip
November 30, 2017
The #TransitUSA tour, featuring Freedman seats and other products made in America, kicked off on January 30th making its way to bus dealers, operators, manufacturers and trade shows spanning 40 states. FSC sales managers drove over 35,000 miles in a 2017 Ford Transit 350.
First 350-Passenger Boat Joins NYC Ferry Fleet in New York Harbor.
July 19, 2018
New “Ocean Queen Rockstar” ferry boat equipped with Freedman marine seats sold through Suburban Seating.
October 3, 2023
Freedman awarded the Champion for Community Impact Award by Skills for Chicagoland’s Future