Gov. JB Pritzker announced new investments in Freedman Seating Co.’s Chicago manufacturing facility with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

The $4 million investment in Freedman Seating Company is bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement and is for capital expenditures. 

Creating Jobs in Illinois 

With this investment Freedman Seating Co. will be able to make site improvements to accommodate new manufacturing equipment at its facility in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

These improvements will create 50 new full-time jobs and help retain 676 full-time jobs.

“Through the competitive incentive programs, workforce development, and other business development efforts, our state is supporting businesses that create jobs and invest back into their communities,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Illinois is one of the best places in the world for manufacturing companies, and today once again we’re proving that our state is open for business.”

Freedman Seating Co. is a specialty seating manufacturer, and was incorporated in 1954. The company manufactures and engineers approximately 2,000 seats per day for bus, rail, marine, delivery truck, specialty, and commercial vehicle markets.

“Programs like EDGE don’t give businesses a handout — they help level the playing field. They allow companies like ours to invest, grow, and compete while creating more opportunities where they are needed most,” said Craig Freedman, CEO of Freedman Seating Co. “Without real, tangible support, businesses will leave. When that happens, communities suffer. We continue to invest in our facilities and our people because we believe in the West Side, we believe in Chicago, and we believe in Illinois.”

Strengthening the Economy

With EDGE incentives, the facility improvements will accommodate new equipment at the recently expanded 650,000-square-foot plant and support continued growth and expansion.

Freedman Seating Co. will continue to be an economic driver in the area as they aim to leverage and develop local talent, create skilled jobs, and offer extensive training opportunities.

The project will also boost operational efficiency and expand the company’s capabilities, allowing better service and stronger contributions to the transportation industry.

“The EDGE incentive program continues to help companies to grow in Illinois – supporting economic development and good-paying jobs throughout the state,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Freedman Seating Company has a storied history in Illinois, and the State of Illinois’ investments will provide them with long-term growth opportunities to serve their customers and the Austin community as an industry leader.”

As part of the State’s Comprehensive incentive package, Freedman Seating Company is receiving an EDGE tax credit, and will be making a $4 million investments. 

In calendar year 2024, companies in the EDGE program committed more than $650 million in investments in Illinois communities across the state.