Due to slow demand and rising costs, we are informing all customers of changes in the availability of several of our PPE (Passenger Protective Equipment) products: Passenger Sneeze Guards – Available only while current inventory lasts. Once depleted, these will no longer be offered. Grab Rail Covers – Discontinued effective immediately. Social Distance Seat Bands […]
During a recent trip to Colombia, Panama, and Guatemala with his mother, William Loy, Production Manager at Freedman Seating, found himself asking a powerful question: What more can be done? That question led him to join forces with nonprofit organizations Volunteer World and International Volunteer to help build and renovate schools in some of the most underserved regions of […]
Elkhart, Ind. — LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII), through its wholly owned subsidiary, Lippert Components, Inc. (“Lippert”), a leading supplier of engineered components to the recreation and transportation markets, today announced that it has acquired substantially all of the business assets of Freedman Seating Company (“Freedman”), an Illinois-based manufacturer of transportation seating solutions. For over 130 years, […]
Customer Notice: 3/19/25 Freedman Seating is proud to offer high performing, transportation grade upholstery options as part of our in-stock catalog. As we continue to source materials from the industry’s most trusted mills, we keep price, availability, and performance specifications top of mind. We are informing all customers of a change in the availability of […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 17, 2025 Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Welcomes New Board Members SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has named five new members to its Board of Directors as the association continues to build on its strong record of leadership on behalf of manufacturers across the state. “These new members bring years of leadership […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 7, 2025 CONTACT: Gov.Press@illinois.gov EDGE incentives create 50 new full-time jobs and retain nearly 700 jobs in Austin community CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined Freedman Seating Company and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to announce new investments in the company’s Chicago manufacturing facility that will create 50 […]
Executive summary of: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA final rule, 49 CFR Part 571, Docket No. NHTSA-2024-0071 NHTSA is mandating enhanced seat belt reminder systems for both front and rear seats in a wide range of vehicles. The new requirements apply to passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses (except […]
The Freedman Seating Intern Cohort (FSIC) in Chicago offers paid, hands-on learning experience for college students interested in manufacturing, engineering, business, and related fields. Interns will collaborate with experienced professionals, gain industry-specific knowledge, and contribute to projects across various departments. The program fosters a supportive environment, providing valuable insight into the transportation seating industry, while […]
During this season, Freedman Seating takes time to reflect upon the good things we have—like our partnership with you! We would like to express our sincerest appreciation for the trust you have placed in us. While maintaining a commitment to excellent customer service, we feel it’s important to echo our core values as a fourth […]
As Manufacturing Month kicks off this October, Freedman Seating Company is marking a significant milestone — 130 years of innovation and craftsmanship. From its humble 19th-century beginnings as an upholstery shop, Freedman has evolved into a leading manufacturer of seating solutions for buses, trains, boats, and commercial vehicles. The Augusta Boulevard company’s products are familiar […]
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Freedman Seating Company Chairman, Gerald “Jerry” Freedman. He left us peacefully, surrounded by those he loved. Jerry was a remarkable leader who inspired Freedman’s core values of integrity, community, pride and ownership. His unwavering commitment to these principles shaped not only the company but […]
Founder Hyman Freedman Received an Honorable Mention at The Columbian Exposition Chicago, IL — It was over 130 years ago when Hyman Freedman and his employer, Columbia Cab Company, exhibited at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Hyman Freedman exhibited in the popular Transportation Building (now Jackson Park in Chicago). An elaborately decorated golden arch […]
Cobots created opportunities for Freedman to scale up productivity quickly by giving people more productive tools and adding more value. Next time you sit in a bus, train or ferry seat, consider that manufacturing career opportunities come in many forms. Chicago, Ill.-based Freedman Seating Co. is a leading supplier of transportation seating and safety solutions […]
Our design team has modified the popular 3PT Foldaway to be even more attractive and space conscious. The 3PT SpaceSaver Foldaway is designed to sit closer to the wall, adding aisle space when the seat is both deployed and stowed. See chart below. The redesigned SpaceSaver Foldaway requires no new testing and uses the same […]
Metal fabrication shops share experiences with using cobots and other welding automation. Welding automation is nothing new for Marvin Herrera and Corey Mays, as their jobs have incorporated it in some form or another for years. Their respective workplaces, Freedman Seating Co. and CM Welding & Machine, had traditional robotic cells in place. Both companies have introduced cobots […]
From flooring to HVAC, cameras to wheelchair lifts, there is no shortage of must-have components to consider when purchasing a bus. Whether propane or electric, shuttle or coach — passenger needs should be heavily considered when it comes to the bus’s interior, perhaps nothing more than seating. Here are three features you should have already […]
Freedman Seating GO-ES line of seats will be using seat belts from a new supplier. All orders with a due date of June 26, 2023, or later, we will be using seat belts from a new supplier. This is a soft cut in date and there may be exceptions. If your order had a scheduled […]
For Immediate Release Freedman Seating Names Stan Brzezniak Director of Sales The transition includes John Mienik as Senior Business Development and South Eastern Sales Manager. Chicago, IL – Freedman Seating announced today the advancement of Stan Brzezniak to Director of Sales – Bus, effective January 1, 2023. Brzezniak previously held the position of Business Development […]
Strap yourself in and find out how Freedman Seating has become the cornerstone of the transportation industry. Since 1892, Freedman Seating (Freedman) has been engineering and manufacturing seats and seating-related products for a variety of commercial applications. Handed down over four generations, the family-run business has gone on to become North America’s leading supplier of […]
November 15, 2022 Product Update – GO-ES Foldaway Cover We are informing all customers of a modification to the GO-ES SpaceSaver Foldaway seat cover. Effective December 1, 2022, carpet will no longer be used on the back portion of the cover. Instead, the back will match the rest of the cover using the same upholstery. […]
Second Annual Coolest Thing Made in Indiana Contest Tips Off Today November 3, 2022 (INDIANAPOLIS) — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Coolest Thing Made in Indiana tournament has officially tipped off with online voting now open at www.indianachamber.com/coolestthing. The contest, which celebrates the state’s long manufacturing history, boasts a 54-company field. There are a […]
On October 12, 2022, Freedman Seating Company was presented with a Proclamation from the State of Illinois celebrating manufacturing as the states most significant single economic sector, employing 9.74% of the workforce and contributing more than $108 billion in economic output annually. Signed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, the Proclamation was presented to Craig Freedman, […]
Illinois Workforce Partnership (IWP) presents award winners from across the state. Each year, local workforce areas submit nominations and winners are selected by a panel of workforce professionals. This year, the IWP recognized Freedman Seating Company with the Business Leadership Award. The Business Leadership Award is given to recognize a private sector company that has demonstrated leadership […]
The new E-Transit passenger van distributed by CBS will give customers the confidence in the highest standards of quality, safety, and reliability that each brand has achieved in their respective product specialties. INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Creative Bus Sales, the nation’s largest bus dealership, has collaborated with Forest River, Q’Straint, BraunAbility, and Freedman Seating to construct […]
Chicago Fed Announces New Appointments to Advisory Council on Small Business, Community and Economic Development, Agriculture and Labor CHICAGO (March 30, 2022) – The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago today announced the newly appointed members of the Advisory Council on Small Business, Community and Economic Development, Agriculture and Labor. Council members serve a two-year term […]
Voters Narrow Field to Top 16 Coolest Products Made in Illinois “Makers Madness” Contest Lets Public Decide The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois SPRINGFIELD – With almost 110,000 votes cast, the field of contenders competing in the third annual “Makers Madness” contest has been narrowed to the Top 16. Hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, “Makers […]
The humanitarian crisis happening in Europe has directly impacted FSC employees and their families in Ukraine, Russia, Poland and bordering nations. Your support means more than you can imagine. Here are 3 ways you can help TODAY: 1. Donate to World Central Kitchen. Help us empower communities and serve meals to families across Ukraine and […]
Freedman Seating is excited to announce we’re exhibiting at Work Truck Week 2022, held March 8–11 at the Indiana Convention Center. This will be the first in-person WorkTruck show since 2019. For more than 20 years, the people who design, build, use and maintain the work trucks and equipment the world relies on have gathered […]
At Freedman Seating, we’re proud to offer high performing, transportation grade upholstery options. As we continue to source materials from the industry’s most trusted mills, we keep price, availability, and performance specifications top of mind. To distinguish two of our most popular vinyl options, the following name changes will take effect immediately: O Vinyl is […]
A small West Side manufacturer who’s hiring can’t “just pluck people off the street.” December 15, 2021 By: Alby Gallun Read the full article here. For decades, the economic challenge on the South and West sides has been too many people and not enough jobs. Freedman Seating faces the opposite problem. The company, which makes […]
Freedman Seating has a long history of collecting toys, clothing, personal care items and food for local charities and nonprofits. Beneficiaries include the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Sarah’s Circle, local shelters and places of worship. In what has turned into an annual tradition, Team Freedman once again selected Shriners Hospitals […]
In a recent interview with School Transportation News, Dan Cohen, President, discussed 3-point safety and technology with STN Publisher and podcast host, Tony Corpin. Listen: (STN Podcast E89) Vigilance & Community: Tragic Headlines, Child Vaccines & Special Needs Who’s buckled and who’s not…why guess? SeatLink by Freedman Seating monitors occupancy and seat belt status of […]
For Immediate Release Freedman Seating Introduces New Line of RV and Camper Van Products Captain’s chairs, passenger foldaway seating, and accessories for commercial and recreational vehicles. Chicago, IL – Freedman Seating Company, a leading manufacturer of transportation seating for over 125 years, is reigniting a historical presence in the recreational vehicle market. A fresh line […]
Engineers – like all pioneers – use their knowledge, creativity, and sense of adventure to cross frontiers. Freedman Seating is committed educating and attracting individuals from all walks of life to explore engineer and manufacturing careers.
On December 3rd, Freedman Seating partnered with Jane Addams Resource Corporation and Manufacturing Renaissance to give the gift of opportunity on “Giving Tuesday.” In an remarkable showing of support and generosity, our community partners received over $8,300 in online donations. With Freedman Seating’s matching contributions, a grand total of over $11,300+ was raised on #GivingTuesday! […]
Please be advised of the following updates to our seating and upholstery offerings. New EconoFlip Seat Introducing the upgraded design to our HandiFlip, the new EconoFlip Seat has been re-engineered with safety and style in mind. Now available with optional USR (Under Seat Retractor) seat belts the EconoFlip comes standard with a Feather Weight Low-Back […]
The Manufacturing Mismatch Manufacturing companies need workers. Chicago has plenty. But linking them together may require a regionally coordinated effort. By Esther Yoon-Ji Kang Published Oct. 28, 2019 LISTEN AND READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE Until the region develops a comprehensive industrial policy that addresses transportation, employers will have to get creative to fill their job openings, […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John-Paul Paonessa Marketing Manager Freedman Seating Company 773-524-2440 jp.paonessa@freedmanseating.com FREEDMAN SEATING HOSTS MFG DAY EVENTS IN CHICAGO MFG Month Shines Spotlight on Local Manufacturers, Highlights Career Opportunities (Chicago, IL) October 4, 2019 – In celebration of the launch of MFG Day 2019, Freedman Seating Company will host dozens of Chicago […]
Freedman Seating employees, friends and families will walk and raise funds to support St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the American Cancer Society’s efforts to fight cancer. St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer Saturday, September 21st, 2019 @ Soldier Field Visit our Team Site St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is where doctors send their […]
Members of the Freedman Seating Test Lab and Engineering Department recently completed a special project with NeighborSpace, the only nonprofit urban land trust in Chicago that preserves and sustains gardens on behalf of dedicated community groups. NeighborSpace shoulders the responsibilities of property ownership — such as providing basic insurance, access to water, and links to […]
Seattle’s transit riders who cherish personal space will be glad to know the next batch of light-rail trains are roomier in the midsection. Sound Transit leaders and executives from Siemens Mobility on Wednesday displayed the first of 40 railcars to arrive before service to Northgate Station begins in 2021. Another 112 railcars will arrive as […]
On June 29th, members and guests of Austin Coming Together celebrated the past year’s accomplishments and future goals, highlighting projects, people and businesses making a positive impact on proactive community building. Craig Freedman, CEO, was among several 2018 Impact Awardees being acknowledged at the event. On behalf of Freedman Seating Company, Craig accepted the Excellence […]