HICKORY, N.C. — HSM has acquired Summit Seating Inc., a manufacturer of seating products for transit buses, recreational vehicles, vans and other specialty vehicles for original equipment or aftermarket use.

Officials said the acquisition is expected to expand HSM’s footprint and leadership role in the transportation seating market and will immediately grow both the near- and long-term growth opportunities for the HSM Transportation Solutions business unit.

“We are excited to bring Summit Seating’s technology and capabilities to HSM,” said Dave Colburn, HSM president and CEO. “With the combination of our people, products, talents and assets, HSM has the opportunity to accelerate the current momentum and cutting-edge innovation that we are bringing to integrated seating solutions. This strategic move supports our ongoing migration from a components supplier to a provider of integrated solutions with a market-focused strategy.”

“Providing customer solutions drove this deal, and as a result of this move, Summit and HSM’s customer base will see an expanded product offering and services, continuing our strong tradition of listening to and meeting our customers’ needs,” added Tony Everett, vice president transportation solutions. “Summit’s high-end products will become more accessible to the growing market needs with HSM’s strength and organization behind them.”

Over the next 90 days, all product lines within Summit Seating Inc. will be integrated into HSM’s Transportation Solutions business unit, which is headed by Everett. Officials said that during the transition, Summit Seating customers will continue to receive the same service they have come to expect from the Elkhart, Ind.-based company.

“As founders of Summit Seating, Sue and I are excited to see Summit Seating become part of HSM, a world-class operation,” said Ray Fink, principal, Summit Seating Inc. “It will make us proud to watch the growth that they will bring surpass our original expectations.”

Fink will remain with the company as director of seating systems — commercial vehicles.

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