Grammer Americas: A Look at the Company’s Seating History in the U.S.
When you think of commercial seating in North America—whether it’s in a tractor cab, a construction vehicle, or a forklift—there’s a good chance that Grammer had a hand in making that ride more comfortable and ergonomic. While the parent company, Grammer AG, has its roots in Germany, Grammer Americas has played a significant role in adapting, expanding, and localizing the company's impact across the U.S. and beyond. But how did this German seat manufacturer become such a key player in American industry?
Let’s take a ride through the history of Grammer Americas and how it came to shape the seating standards in the U.S. for off-road, commercial, and even agricultural vehicles.
Humble Beginnings: From Saddle Pads to Ergonomic Seating
Grammer AG was founded in 1880 in Amberg, Germany, originally producing saddle pads. The transition from horse saddles to vehicle seating happened gradually, in step with the mechanization of agriculture and industry. By the late 20th century, Grammer was designing advanced seating systems for tractors, forklifts, and construction vehicles.
The company’s reputation for comfort and innovation—especially in air suspension seating—gained international traction, prompting expansion into key global markets. One of the most important? North America.
Enter: Grammer Americas
Grammer’s North American expansion began in earnest in the 1990s and early 2000s. Recognizing the size and specific needs of the U.S. commercial and agricultural vehicle market, Grammer established regional operations and manufacturing plants under the Grammer Americas umbrella.
The goal wasn’t just to sell European seats in the U.S.—it was to design and manufacture seating systems that met American industry demands. This meant rigorous testing, durable construction for off-road conditions, and compliance with North American safety standards. With that, Grammer Americas offers a full product line of offroad seating from static, to low-profile (first in the industry by the way!), to full suspension seats.
Over the years, Grammer Americas grew to include facilities in multiple U.S. states and partnerships with major OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) such as John Deere, Caterpillar, and Mitsubishi Logisnext. Today, many operators in agriculture and construction rely on Grammer seating every single day.
Innovation at the Core
What sets Grammer apart? Innovation in ergonomics and vibration-dampening technology. Grammer’s engineers in the U.S. and abroad have invested heavily in:
- Suspension systems (both mechanical and pneumatic)
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Climate-controlled seats
- Operator presence detection systems
Grammer seating isn’t just about comfort—it’s about improving health and productivity for operators who spend 8 to 12 hours a day behind the wheel or at the controls.
Looking Forward
Grammer Americas continues to grow as a leading provider of seating solutions in agriculture, construction, and commercial vehicles. As the industry shifts toward electrification and autonomous systems, Grammer is innovating once again—this time with smart seating technology that integrates sensors, data feedback, and comfort adjustments.