Lippert Components, a subsidiary of LCI Industries, has acquired substantially all business assets of Freedman Seating Company, a longtime manufacturer of transportation seating based in Illinois.
Founded in 1894, Freedman Seating has produced seating solutions for more than 130 years, initially serving the horse-drawn carriage industry and now supplying seating to bus, rail, marine, and specialty vehicle manufacturers. The company’s operations will remain in Chicago, where it maintains connections with the local workforce and community.
The acquisition enhances Lippert’s existing position in the transportation segment, where the company already provides window and glass solutions.
Earlier this year, Lippert acquired Trans Air, a manufacturer of climate control systems for commercial buses, further expanding its footprint in the sector.
According to a press release, Ryan Smith, group president of Lippert’s North American OEM Operations, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal.
“We are pleased to welcome the Freedman team to the Lippert family,” Smith said. “We’re excited to add Freedman’s seating line to our growing portfolio of bus and transportation vehicle products.”
Andrew Pocock, Lippert’s executive vice president of Building and Transportation Products, also said the combination of the two companies will deliver added value. “Together, we can provide an elevated experience to our customer partners through our combined product offerings in the transportation vehicle market,” Pocock said.
Craig Freedman, CEO of Freedman Seating, expressed optimism about the acquisition and the alignment of values between the companies. “They’ve expressed admiration for what we’ve built and want to help us grow it in ways that honor our mission and values,” Freedman said.