Refining a Legacy: Versteel Updates Its Companion Seating Ahead of 30th Anniversary
Jasper IN (July 21, 2025) – Versteel, an Indiana-based manufacturer of contract furniture, announces a new chapter in the story of its iconic Companion seating collection. First introduced in 1996, Companion marked a major milestone for Versteel as the metal furniture company’s first seating series. Nearly thirty years later, Companion’s familiar silhouette and trusted performance remain a fixture in public spaces across the country. While the design has stood the test of time, a closer look shows how Versteel continues to refine this collection to meet the ever-changing standards for sustainability, process control, and user comfort.
With durable steel construction and contoured seats and backs, Companion provides support while ensuring long-lasting performance in high-traffic spaces. Companion is a large family of seating with expansive options, inviting customization while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic for public and learning spaces.
Designed for Endurance
What began as a small collection of chairs has grown into a comprehensive line supporting diverse environments and purposes. Stools were added to Companion a few years after its initial launch, followed later by bariatric and youth models, extending comfort and reliability to even more spaces and users.
More recently, Companion has undergone a series of thoughtful, behind-the-scenes updates that reinforce Versteel’s commitment to craftsmanship and American manufacturing. The distinctive urethane armcaps, once outsourced, are now molded entirely in-house by Versteel. In addition to strengthening supply chain resilience, this transition has resulted in improvements to the armcaps themselves. The new urethane is more pliable, providing a comfortable, secure grip while retaining durability and cleanability. In-house production also makes it possible to offer a wider range of colors, giving designers greater freedom to match or contrast with project palettes.
The urethane armcap option has been added to Companion’s bariatric models as well, supporting use in healthcare and any setting where cleanability and comfort are essential.
Smarter Sourcing for a Stronger Future
Another update to Companion is to its wood components, which are now crafted by an American manufacturer with deep expertise in bent wood production. This partnership brings generations of skill and technical precision to each chair, delivering exceptional strength and consistency.
With this change, Companion joins a growing list of Versteel products sourced entirely in the United States. Aside from textiles, which vary by vendor and pattern selection, every material used in Companion is now procured within five hundred miles of Versteel’s Indiana facilities. This localized sourcing reduces transportation emissions while supporting a more circular and transparent supply chain.
Rooted in Values
Though these refinements may be subtle, they speak to the heart of Versteel’s philosophy: great design doesn’t just endure the test of time; it evolves with it. Companion remains true to its original promise of providing welcoming, durable, and easy-to-maintain seating for lobbies, waiting areas, healthcare settings, educational spaces, and beyond. With expanded options for designers and greater control over sourcing, Companion is more equipped than ever to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
“This collection has come a long way,” continues Schwinghammer. “I’m proud of the team that continues to make it better over time. Companion it isn’t just a chair. It represents who we are and how we work.”
Companion is on the Versteel extension for CET, providing users with intuitive tools to design and customize their projects. Select chairs are available on Versteel’s Quickship program, which ships within ten business days.
Explore the expansive Companion collection and its vast design solutions at www.versteel.com.
About Versteel
Through its steadfast dedication to precision innovation and durability, Versteel has established itself as a leader in the creation of high-quality tables, chairs, and collaborative furniture for the contract industry. Versteel products are proudly manufactured at its Indiana-based facilities, ensuring a high level of quality and rigorous attention to detail. Guided by a commitment to product versatility and excellent service, Versteel constantly evolves to fit the individual needs of each customer.