Company creates Chicago manufacturing jobs

Posted on February 8, 2015

A company that is growing continues to create more Chicago manufacturing jobs.

Freedman Seating is a multi-generational, family-owned manufacturing company in Chicago.

Two years ago, Freedman Seating was selected to manufacture seats for the new fleet of CTA buses. Back then, they expected to hire 100 workers to meet that demand but ended up hiring twice that amount. With this expansion, Freedman expects to add an additional 75 jobs over the next two years.

Freedman Seating also maintains a partnership with Austin Polytechnical High School to support skills training. In addition, they are a partner with the Chicago City Colleges as part of the College to Careers program and works with the Mayor’s office to support Skills for Chicagoland’s Future.

The Digital Manufacturing Design and Innovation Institute (DMDII) launched with over $320M in investment from the City, private sector and federal government is designed to digitize this important industry.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Freedman Seating’s expansion into the 37th Ward. They’ve succeeded by investing in their community and by giving back through their partnerships with Austin Polytechnical Academy,” said Alderman Emma Mitts. “They will continue to build, grow, and create jobs for the residents of the Austin community.”

“Freedman Seating’s continued expansion will create many new jobs for Chicagoans, and this company’s success further highlights the continued growth in Chicago’s manufacturing sector,” said Mayor Emanuel. “I applaud Freeman’s continuing commitment to Chicago’s future — from their partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing program at Richard J Daley College as part of the Colleges to Careers program to their longstanding relationship with Austin Polytechnic. The company is helping our students and workers develop the skills they need today to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow.”