Irwin Seating Company is the world's leading manufacturer of public seating for movie theatres, auditoriums, arenas, performing arts centers, and convention centers. From Festival Hall in Osaka, Japan, to Carnegie Hall in New York, from Cardinals' Stadium in Phoenix to UCI Cinemas in Lisbon, Portugal, our chairs are installed in thousands of venues all over the world.

Our headquarters are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and we operate manufacturing facilities in Spain, Brazil, and China, with an additional North American facility in Altamont, Illinois. The plant in Grand Rapids occupies 450,000 square feet and employs over 600 people. Irwin Seating Company is ISO 9001 certified.

Seating is our only business, and public seating products are the only products we manufacture at our five facilities. In addition to auditorium seating, we manufacture stadium seating, lecture room furniture, bleachers, telescopic platforms and seating for public transportation. We also provide the industries most comprehensive restoration services.

Success is synonymous with Irwin Seating Company. We strive to be the best in the world at what we do. Our strong financial position allows us to re-invest in the Company, securing the best equipment and resources available to manufacturing. We understand what the customer wants and we develop innovative products tailored to the demands of our markets. We are committed to quality products and exceptional customer service. At Irwin Seating Company, it is of paramount importance that every customer is completely satisfied with our products and services, from the prospect phase of the project to final installation.

 

Irwin Seating Company was founded in Grand Rapids almost 100 years ago under the name of the Steel Furniture Company. The Company was started by 5 investors that included three Irwin brothers; Earle, Eber and Robert. During this time the Company manufactured and sold theatre seating and classroom desks like the one shown to the left.

 

In the 1930's the Irwin brothers bought out the other investors and the name was changed to Irwin Seating Company. Earle S. Irwin was president at this time.

In 1940 Irwin Seating Company ceased production of its normal product line to help with the World War II effort. The company made M-1 Carbine Rifles until the end of the war. After the war, William W. Irwin (son of Earle) reformed Irwin Seating Company and resumed production of furniture for classrooms, auditoriums and theatres at a location on Buchanan street in downtown Grand Rapids.

 

In 1968 the Company moved to its current location northwest of the city on Fruit Ridge Avenue. Irwin Seating Company also introduced the popular Citation Chair, one of the industries first chairs with a plastic back panel.

William Irwin continued to serve as president until his retirement in 1984 at which time his son, Earle S. (Win) Irwin, was named president of the company. Win Irwin is still the President and CEO of Irwin Seating Company.