Pioneers since 1979
We are Seating
The creators and defenders of high quality furniture that benefits people’s lives and is produced locally; ethically, sustainably and socially responsibly. We are the designer, manufacturer and distributor. We stand for beauty of form and function, and the bravery to think in new ways.
Our Historical Timeline
1979
Back to the Start
Seating is first founded by Ashley Goldberg. It operates from a small factory in Krugersdorp and runs from its headquarters in Johannesburg.
1980-87
Ezibeleni Expansion
Success grows and it becomes the first office chair manufacturing facility in Africa. In 1987, Goldberg buys the defunct P.M. Furniture Industries in Ezibeleni, Queenstown – a small upholstery and assembly plant.
1988
New Headquarters
A massive headquarters gets built in Industria, Johannesburg, to house the admin and local factory. To this day, Seating still manufactures and operates from this base.
1989
Increasing Demand
The Queenstown operation rapidly expands to include a steel and wood plant, and eventually grows to a 30,000 m2 facility — becoming Seating's main production plant for several decades. It also provides employment to an entire community and builds a farm, creche, clinic, recreation and education centre.
1990
Soft Seating Established
Pago Designs is created as the soft seating division and becomes popular with architects and interior designers. In 2015, Pago is incorporated into the Seating brand. The early 90's was a hugely successful period of massive growth for the company.
1995-97
On the World's Stage
By then Seating has eight modular factories in Africa and exports to fifteen countries, including Germany, the UK and Australia. In 1997, Seating is bought by the Bidvest Group – specifically Bidvest Office – and becomes a listed company.
2000
A New Leader Takes the Reins
After 13 years with the company, Steve Gerber becomes MD in 2000 until his retirement in 2016. During his 15 years at the helm he pushes the company to greater heights through his passion, vision, risk-taking and foresight.
2005-07
Sustainable Impact
Seating makes a conscious environmental decision to evolve its method of design and manufacture, and launches its first ranges of eco-friendly chairs in 2006. By 2007, the factories are producing in excess of 250 000 units annually. A Green manufacturing system is implemented to decrease their production processes from 24 stages to only 7.
2012
The Honeycomb Revolution
By looking to nature for inspiration – Seating invented a fully recyclable, strong, lightweight plastic shell to replace their pressed plywood seat shells. Their patented Honeycomb technology, came to revolutionise body weight distribution, product longevity, environmental impact and improved cost to the consumer.
2014-15
The Tide Turns
By now Seating has a national footprint with manufacturing and distribution facilities in Queenstown, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. However by 2015, economic downturns and many years of cheap imports have devastated the local furniture industry. Seating decides to consolidate its operations into the Johannesburg Headquarters – and manufacture/distribute from there.
2016-18
A New Era
Clyde Collins steps in as CEO after over 2 decades’ experience within the company. Along with Gerhard Jonck, as CFO and right-hand man, they begin to steer the business back on course. In 2018, the tool making and injection-moulding plant is relocated from Cape Town to the headquarters in Johannesburg, and Seating becomes a full vertically-integrated company.
2020
Privatisation
Seating unbundles from the Bidvest Group and reinvents itself as (a BEE-Level 1) independently-owned private company once more. It looks forward, as it always has; on how to improve its product, help people realise their full potential, and make this a better world.
Past Installations include
First National Bank • Sun International • Bidvest Waltons • BCI, Mozambique • Barloworld • UNISA SA • SARS • SA Government • Transnet • Discovery Headquarters • BHC Botswana • Stanbic Botswana • SCB Africa • Liberty Life • Wits university • African Bank • Capital Bank Africa • Bank of Namibia • City Lodge • Orange Network • Mento Guard • Growth Point • Tsogo Sun • Mercedes Benz • Debswana • Group M • CCMA • Alstom • Road Accident Fund • Projects for numerous architects / interior designers and dealers.
It is really about the quality and the rare come backs, but furthermore a firm believer on the person selling the product, Wendy is always willing to help and goes the extra mile to help even with tight deadlines!!
Liza van der Walt - Rosser
PLATYNUM WORKSPACE INTERIORS // DESIGNER
Seating has been an invaluable partner and supplier in enabling my business to remain successful. They understand that customer service and quality is of the utmost importance. We, therefore, work very well together.
Bev Bonnett
BONNETT GLOBAL SOURCING // FOUNDER | MD
Your company has given us excellent service and product, nothing is too much trouble. The chairs were superb too. From start to finish Seating were fantastic. I was thrilled with your professional service every step of the way. It makes all the difference in our lives.
Michele Mace
SCARAB PROJECTS // DESIGN CONSULTANT
Seating has been our main-preferred office chair manufacturer/supplier for many years. They listen to our needs and understand our market. Seating’s innovative product design is world-class and they treat us like gold.