News Summary
GR Seating LLC has officially acquired American Seating Co., a historic furniture manufacturer in Grand Rapids. The acquisition, finalized on October 21, ensures continuity for American Seating’s operations and workforce. The joint venture, formed by NFI Group Inc. and GILLIG LLC, aims to invest in equipment and facilities to support growth while maintaining the brand’s identity and customer base. With this acquisition, American Seating is expected to enhance its operational performance and prepare for a new headquarters by 2026.
Grand Rapids, Michigan — GR Seating LLC Acquires American Seating Co., Ensuring Continuity and Growth in Grand Rapids
American Seating Co., a historic furniture manufacturer based in Grand Rapids, has been officially acquired by GR Seating, LLC. The acquisition was finalized on October 21 and encompasses a comprehensive purchase of American Seating’s assets, equipment, inventory, brand, and intellectual property.
GR Seating, LLC is a joint venture formed by NFI Group Inc. located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and GILLIG LLC based in Livermore, California. Company leaders from American Seating have confirmed that the acquisition will not impact current operations in Grand Rapids, nor will it affect the dedicated workforce, which has nearly 170 employees under the representation of UAW Local 135. Their contract will remain in effect under the new ownership.
The leadership transition is set to benefit from the continued involvement of American Seating’s Chairman Ed Clark and CEO Tom Bush, who will serve as consultants guiding the company through this period of change. GR Seating has made a commitment to maintain the American Seating brand identity while continuing to support its existing customer base.
With this acquisition, GR Seating intends to invest significantly in the equipment and facilities that will bolster both the stability and growth of the company. This proactive approach is expected to enhance American Seating’s operational performance and improve delivery times for its customers, ensuring a seamless transition into the new ownership structure.
Company History and Significance
American Seating has a storied history dating back to 1886, originally beginning as Grand Rapids School Furniture. The company underwent a rebranding in 1906 and made a significant entry into the public transportation seating market in 1931. This long-standing heritage highlights the brand’s resilience and established presence within the industry.
Looking towards the future, the acquisition by GR Seating provides American Seating with a stronger financial foundation, setting the stage for an anticipated move to a new headquarters by 2026. The new facility, located at 1040 40th St. SE in Grand Rapids, is currently in the development phase. However, progress has been somewhat delayed due to ongoing construction lien disputes.
Overall, the acquisition of American Seating by GR Seating is viewed positively by company leaders, indicating a promising future for the business and its employees. The collaborative efforts of the new joint venture are designed to stimulate growth while ensuring that current operations continue to function smoothly.
With this strategic move, GR Seating LLC aims to position American Seating Co. as a competitive player in the seating manufacturing sector, enhancing its capabilities and securing its legacy within the Grand Rapids community.
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HERE Resources
American Seating Co. Acquired by GR Seating, LLC
Additional Resources
- WOOD TV8
- MLive
- Fox17
- WZZM 13
- Crain’s Grand Rapids
- Wikipedia: American Seating Company
- Google Search: American Seating Company
- Google Scholar: American Seating Company
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Seating Company
- Google News: American Seating Company
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
