The company has been operating in the region since 2017 and specializes in the production of high-quality passenger seats for buses and trains.

With the founding of “Kiel Macedonia DOOEL” in 2017, a modern production unit was established that includes various production areas such as CNC cutting, sewing, upholstery and final assembly.

The decision to invest in North Macedonia was a strategic move by the Franz Kiel Group to strengthen its market position and meet the growing demand for high-quality passenger seats. The company relies on state-of-the-art technologies and highly qualified specialists to ensure the high quality standards of the Kiel brand.

With “Kiel Macedonia DOOEL”, the Franz Kiel Group is underlining its commitment to growth and innovation in the industry. The subsidiary in North Macedonia plays a key role in meeting global demand and implementing the high quality standards for which the Kiel brand is known worldwide.

The newly built production plant, including administration, covers an area of over 8,000 square meters and offers the option of expanding by a further 20,000 square meters. This means that production capacity can be significantly increased. More than 60,000 seats are already being created here this year, and this number will increase significantly in the coming years due to existing orders. There are also plans to expand production with a metal processing facility in 2025.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickowski attended the opening ceremony and emphasized in his speech:

„I am greatly pleased to attend the launch of a new and enhanced story, represented by Kiel’s new investment. In these challenging times, I would say that the decision to invest in the country is not only wise but also truly bold. In this sense, as a person who soon expects to receive parliamentary support to lead the future Government, I am determined to contribute and actively support every process that will create new jobs, bring more investments into the Macedonian economy, and foster successful business stories that confirm my sincere intention to return the state to the people through investments, development, and technological progress, putting control back in their hands and creating a happy future for all.“ (Excerpt from the speech of Prime Minister Histijan Mickowsk)

“This plant is another milestone in our long-standing presence in North Macedonia and a significant step in our global expansion strategy,” explained Jürgen Mill, CEO of the Franz Kiel Group. “The new production facility will not only enable us to significantly increase our production capacities, but also optimise our supply chains and further consolidate our market position in Europe.”

The decision in favour of North Macedonia was made due to the country’s strategically favourable location, the availability of qualified workers and the favourable economic conditions. The Kiel Group’s commitment not only creates new jobs in the region, but also helps to boost the local economy. “Our investment reflects our confidence in the economic potential of North Macedonia and our commitment to continuously improve the innovative strength and competitiveness of our company,” added Mill. “From here, we want to further increase our production and expand our global presence.”

Christian Schrandt, Managing Director of Kiel North Macedonia, added: “This location is of great importance for our further expansion and underlines our commitment to innovation and quality. I would particularly like to thank our employees, who I see as the most important asset of our company. Their commitment and motivation are the key to our success.”

With the opening of this new production plant, the Franz Kiel Group is strengthening its goal of reinforcing its market leadership in the passenger seat manufacturing industry and continuing to supply innovative solutions for the global transportation market.

The Kiel Group

The Kiel Group is a leading manufacturer of seating systems for commercial vehicles and public transport by bus and train in local, regional and long-distance travel. We provide both complete seating systems and customised, customer-orientated seating solutions to meet specific requirements. Our products are characterised by premium quality, sophisticated technology and modern design, and meet the highest of demands in terms of safety and passenger comfort.  They are not only of high quality, but are also long-lasting, durable and cost-effective. The aim of the Kiel Group is to increase safety and comfort through our premium products and to meet our environmental responsibility through innovative development and efficient manufacturing processes. The Kiel Group is therefore currently represented in almost all European markets, as well as in North America, Australia, the Near East and Asia. This means that we can provide a wide range of products that meet both national requirements and individual customer demands, and can guarantee a real proximity to customers, efficient coordination and short delivery routes and times. These factors guarantee consistently high standards of quality, which are typical of Kiel, and across the globe. For more information, please visit www.kiel-seating.com.

Press contact:

• Franz Kiel GmbH
Nürnberger Straße 62
D-86720 Nördlingen

Josef Vega
Telefon: +49 (0) 90 81 / 21 03 – 0
Fax: +49 (0) 90 81 / 21 03 – 151
E-Mail: j.vega@kiel-sitze.de

• Kiel Macedonia DOOEL
St. 101 No. 6,
Tetovo, Zhelino 1226, MK

Vladimir Stefanovski, Plant Manager
Mobile:    +389 (0) 71 292-129
E-Mail:  v.stefanovski@kiel-sitze.mk

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Ligero NG – modular and extremely light
The Ligero NG “New Generation” is the perfect seat for city and intercity buses: It is the lightest seat in its class, and offers the greatest scope for a modular design, as all the components are connected using an innovative quick release system. This saves time and money during maintenance and repair work. The various components of the Ligero NG can be replaced individually, which makes it particularly environmentally friendly. The components can also be recycled separately.
The backrest height of the Ligero NG can be adjusted to various heights, and is therefore not determined by the seat frame, but by the easily exchangeable backrest cushion. The modular design saves material, which also has a positive effect on the weight: The Ligero NG is approx. 20% lighter than comparable models and is thus currently one of the lightest seats in its class – a big plus for the environment, as lower weight also equates to lower energy costs.
The design of the Ligero NG was inspired by the automotive industry: The seat is reminiscent of beautifully shaped, comfortable car seats. A wide range of fabrics are available for the seat coverings in addition to imitation leather and leather, including recycled materials.

The ergonomic design was focused on the comfort of the seats. What at first sounds like a contradiction can be explained quite simply by the pioneering concept behind the Kiel Ligero NG. The aim was to achieve a sophisticated combination of the typical advantages of comfortable and functional train seats with those of robust moulded seats. The comfort was validated using pressure distribution measurements and biomechanical dummies in cooperation with a renowned institute Cogitobio.
A wide range of accessories also makes it possible to design the seating system according to the customer’s individual wishes. Accessories such as grab handles, foldable armrest, bow-type handle, 2- and 3-point seat belts integrated in backrest, table, reading light, phone holder and USB on backrest allow the customer to design the interior of the vehicle according to his or her requirements.
Due to the modular construction and equipment, we get higher level of serviceability and much easier maintenance. The components for 700 mm and 750 mm backrest height are unified (reduced number of spare parts) and replacement of parts is easier and quicker.
With new seat we are providing a modular concept of accessories, which allows us to retrofit quick and easy the seat or arrange new options.

Avance X: the updated model of the classic Avance for coaches
With the Avance X, the updated model of the popular Avance, Kiel is demonstrating how a classic model can be adapted to perfectly meet the requirements of our time. The “X” in the name stands for the seat’s modern, dynamic and harmonious lines. Furthermore, the Avance X impresses with its high passenger safety levels and, when it comes to ergonomics, the lines and construction methods for this model successfully meet the requirements of a wide variety of passenger sizes.
One special feature is the combined adjustment of the backrest and seat cushion: when the backrest is tilted backwards, the seat cushion moves forwards slightly and tilts downwards at the back by two degrees; this ensures that the passenger does not feel as if they are slipping out of the front of the seat.
The AVANCE X seat meets the requirement for the lowest possible weight, without compromising on the quality of the fittings and passenger safety, by using new materials, such as lighter, modern plastics: it only weighs around 26 kg including all the add-on parts. This has a noticeable effect on fuel consumption and is therefore an important economic and environmental consideration. Furthermore, the seat is fully recyclable.
A number of additional extras and optional design details round off the AVANCE X. Thanks to its special technology, the seat provides extremely high modularity and allows for a variety of individual design variants.

New Avance X M1 and Avance X M2 models to meet the increasing demand for M1 and M2 products
Kiel is responding to the increasing demand for M1 and M2 products with the new Avance X M1 and Avance X M2 models. The seats fulfil the technical requirements for category M1 minibuses with eight seats and category M2 with nine or more seats and weighing under five tonnes. They complete Kiel’s product range and are being presented to the public for the first time at BUSWORLD. The two new models mean that the M1 to M3 product range is now covered within the one design series.

The highlight of the trade fair at BUSWORLD: Avance X VIP “TECseat”
The highlight of Kiel’s trade fair is the new Avance X VIP “TECseat”. With its new comfort features, which can be controlled via an app, this seat meets all the modern requirements regarding comfort, safety and digitalisation. The Avance X VIP “TECseat” doesn’t just come with integrated heating, it also features cooling or air conditioning provided by air cushions in the seat and back, and boasts a back massage function. In addition, this ultra modern seat comes with a seat occupation system (“Detect seat”): the driver has a display showing which seats are occupied. There is also a seatbelt detection system to show whether passengers are strapped in. 

Premium quality and highly versatile: the new Verso folding seat
A folding seat that is extremely versatile and high quality: with the new Verso model, Kiel has the perfect solution for all eventualities in a city bus. This type of seat has been designed with the rear entrance area in mind and creates additional seats in the open pram and wheelchair area.
The modular system allows for a design in six variants – from a lean support to a comfortable folding seat, which can be locked up in rush hour when additional space is needed. A range of features are available, including a mechanical and electric lock, and a warning light.
Its low weight means that the seat meets the highest requirements in terms of efficiency and impresses overall with an extremely good price-performance ratio. In addition, the ergonomic backrest, the pioneering design and the high-quality workmanship contribute to its appeal. Naturally, the model meets the current ECE R118-2/ 3 European flammability standard.

The Verso is available in the following models:
Verso 1: Lean support
Verso 2: Folding seat without backrest
Verso 3: Folding seat with small backrest
Verso 4: Folding seat with large backrest
Verso 4: Folding seat with large backrest, registrable.
Verso Rush Hour: Folding seat with large backrest and light, electric locking

Modell Verso Rush Hour will be on display at BUSWORLD.

New for the Ligero 1000: Multimedia console
A multimedia console is now available for the Ligero 1000 model. It is a response to the high use of smartphones and other mobile devices during bus journeys and makes this as pleasant as possible: a beautifully shaped, semi-circular holder for different-sized mobile devices from various manufacturers has been affixed to the back of the seat. The device can be placed securely in the holder so the passenger can watch films in comfort, for example. The console comes with a USB charging port as standard. A range of optional features are also available, including an inductive charger, which allows for wireless charging; an LED light; a so-called “bell push” function, which allows passengers to signal to stop the bus directly from the console; and two practical coat hooks.

Interline – Compact, lightweight and elegant
Interline stands out with its lightweight chassis, simple structure and design lines inspired by the automotive world. It is aimed to be used in a wide range by facilitating the application of different upholstery fabrics and designs. In line with the demand, the product can have a simple or elegant appearance by designing the upholstery. With its light chassis, simple and the same time compact design and simple structure, it meets all the technical requirements of city and intercity buses.

Versatile, safe and extremely lightweight in city traffic: the Citos
Citos is a true all-rounder for local travel and comes in a range of different comfort levels: The simplest variant is the Citos 10 (comfort level 1) with a plastic insert without a fabric cover. The Citos 20 (comfort level 2) has a fabric cover without foam. The Citos 30 (comfort level 3) offers 10 mm foam in the backrest and 15 mm foam on the seat. This model is also available with heated seats and a USB port. The Citos 40 (comfort level 4) variant offers 40 mm foam in the backrest and 40 mm foam on the seat. All four comfort levels are available in both seat widths of 420 mm and 450 mm.

As the Citos has a very low weight, it considerably reduces CO₂ emissions when compared with standard city bus seats. An example: By switching to the Citos seat, a medium-sized German city like Kassel with 72 city buses could save 11.68 tonnes of CO₂ per year, assuming a saving of 0,3 litres per kilometre and a 100 kg weight reduction.

The special construction of Citos makes it especially safe: the two-part shell has been designed to deform in the event of impact to ensure it does not shatter and create dangerous, sharp edges. Thanks to this intelligent engineering, the Citos seat easily outperforms comparable products in crash tests.

Despite its versatile features, this model offers an almost unbeatable price-performance ratio. As a result, Citos is a real trendsetter among city bus seats.

Kiel Group will be presenting the following models at BUSWORLD in Hall 7, Stand 758:

• City segment: Citos 30 A, Citos 30/40, Ideo 40, Lexxo CT, Verso Rush Hour.
• Intercity segment: Ligero 1000, Ligero 3000 R, Interline
• Coach segment:, Avance 1030 on sliding feet
• Avance X segment: Avance X VIP, Avance X Luxury, Avance X Comfort, Avance X Basic M2, Avance X Basic M1
• Trade fair highlight: Avance X VIP single seat with lots of comfort features, Ligero NG “New Generation” for regional transport.

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The Kiel Group

The restructuring will enable the company to pursue its aim of strengthening its leading market position on the international scene.

“With a total of 13 locations around the globe, we are the only seating provider worldwide that can offer our customers the same high quality of products and service,” says Stephan Stieglauer, Commercial Director of the Kiel Group. “We have created the perfect conditions for this and have driven our global expansion forward and developed an international network at an early stage. Internally, the new structure gives us the opportunity to standardise and simplify processes across the company and to make better use of synergies across markets.”

New corporate identity and campaign “Inspired by the Next Generation”

In line with the restructuring, Kiel Seating Solutions will be launching a new corporate identity and a new campaign: “Inspired by the Next Generation”. At the heart of this concept is the strategy to enable the next generation to participate in the development of innovative projects and to consider the wishes and requirements of this next generation in all the company’s activities. In addition, the significantly younger, fresher and more dynamic look also reflects the new corporate image: As a globally active supplier of seats and seating systems for public transport, Kiel is an important player in this extremely dynamic sector and aims to play a significant role in shaping it: with new products that not only meet the greatly changed needs of passengers, but far exceed them. “Our creed is: We provide solutions today to the mobility issues of tomorrow”: says Stephan Stieglauer.

Smart Seating 2035+: Joint venture with Reutlingen University

Kiel is currently putting the idea of “Inspired by the Next Generation” into practice in student projects with Reutlingen University: Students on the Transportation Interior Design course are currently working in several groups to develop smart seating solutions for public transport in the near future, supervised by professors Andrea Lipp-Allrutz and Michael Goretzky.  The challenge is to design a multifunctional interior of an autonomous “people mover” that offers users real added value in its full range of characteristics and equipment features. When considering the projects, students must include current trends and technical development, future social scenarios and the lifestyle and needs of the target groups in 2035 and beyond and, from these, ascertain the requirements for a city shuttle of the future. A particular challenge is to also consider the processes in the vehicle and to ensure that these correspond to new user habits. The students can give free rein to their imagination: This ranges from the fulfilment of ergonomic needs via innovative functionalities or materials, the consideration of different body postures – driving while standing, sitting or lying down – to the adaptability to the needs of different user groups. The joint venture is a real win-win situation for all the participants: The young designers have the opportunity to work under real conditions, in a practical way with the greatest possible freedom. They also receive feedback from a leader in the industry. In addition, Kiel gains valuable innovations and fresh ideas.

Development of new sectors

The Kiel Group is committed to transferring its extensive expertise in the areas of seating and interior solutions for buses and trains to new sectors in which the company was not previously active. The first project has already been launched. And more will follow.

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CULTA – the lightest in its class

Kiel is setting new standards with the unique full-magnesium frame construction of the CULTA seat. The innovative connection technology of the seat frames meets the strict stipulations for crashworthiness. This makes the CULTA the lightest long-distance train seat in the world and also offers a wide variety of equipment options.

The ergonomic shape of the CULTA ensures extremely high travel comfort. The seat can be adjusted, with a fold-out table and an adjustable footrest. The highlights are the adjustable head cushions with winged headrests: They give the passenger a shielded, protected space – for optimal relaxation on longer journeys. The modular system of the CULTA enables the quick and cost-effective replacement of components. In addition, the seat can be optimally adapted to individual requirements. CULTA is available in two comfortable versions for 1st and 2nd class.

Vienna – self-supporting and easy to maintain

The Vienna seating system for trams and metros has a self-supporting, weight-optimised wooden shell. It therefore requires no internal support structure with a tubular frame. This makes this seat significantly lighter in accordance with EN45545.  

The Vienna has been constructed using innovative wood materials. The HPL surfaces, which form the cover layers for the seat and backrest, come in various designs and in a wide range of colours. This material makes the seat extremely easy to clean. Cushioned upholstery is also optionally available. This enables the Vienna seating system to respond flexibly to customer requirements. The Vienna is available as a single, double and folding seat. Grab handles and grab rails can also be installed. Overall, the materials and design of the seat ensure a high level of protection against vandalism and graffiti.

LIHOK – luxurious and elegant

The LIHOK seat was specifically designed for use in long-distance trains. This is an attractive model with its modern, elegant look using the natural material, wood. Every detail of this comfortable passenger seat is of tangible high-end quality, and the materials, fixtures, fittings and contours of the LIHOCK satisfy in full the high demands of passengers in terms of the contemporary interior design of public transport.

The wide seat and backrests ensure freedom of movement and a particularly high level of comfort. Customer requirements in terms of seat, back and headrest upholstery can be achieved in a simple and cost-effective design. This gives the interior an individual touch that is specific to the operator.

LITE G4 – modular and extremely light

The LITE G4 is the perfect seat for city and intercity buses: It is the lightest seat in its class, and offers the greatest scope for a modular design, as all the components are connected using an innovative click system. This saves time and money during maintenance and repair work. The various components of the LITE G4 can be replaced individually, which makes it particularly environmentally friendly. The components can also be recycled separately.

The backrest height of the LITE G4 can be adjusted to various heights, and is therefore not determined by the seat frame, but by the easily exchangeable backrest cushion. The modular design saves material, which also has a positive effect on the weight: The LITE G4 is approx. 20% lighter than comparable models and is thus currently one of the lightest seats in its class – a big plus for the environment, as lower weight also equates to lower energy costs.

The design of the LITE G4 was inspired by the automotive industry: The seat is reminiscent of beautifully shaped, comfortable car seats. A wide range of fabrics are available for the seat coverings in addition to imitation leather and leather, including recycled materials.

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The KIEL Group and Kustom Seating Unlimited, Inc., Chicago, are pleased to announce that effective November 25th, 2019 they formed a new alliance KSU N.A., LLC for the Design, Manufacturing and Distribution of passenger seats to the Bus and Rail Markets in North America.

“KSU N.A., LLC is anoth important milestone for the Kiel Group on its way to a globally leading supplier for passenger seating systems”, says Gerhard Hellweg, CEO of the Kiel Group. “The management team of Kiel and the employees are very much looking forward to meeting the exciting market requirements in North America.”

“The KSU-Team is excited about the upcoming opportunities and will concentrate their full expertise to bring the new and innovative products to the North American Market”, says Keith Nippes, President KSU N.A., LLC.

 This new alliance KSU N.A., LLC will provide Kiel seats such as CITOS and INTRA for the City Transit Market. Products like CITOS are developed specifically for the North American Market and provide superior safety standards and lower weight compared to current competitors. 

KSU N.A., LLC has supplied passenger seating to the railways in the USA Transit Market for over 30 years. The company is registered ISO 9001:2015 and has a 150.000 sqf manufacturing base located in Bellwood IL., a suburb of Chicago, providing full capabilities to manufacture seats including processes like metal fabrication (stainless steel and stainless tubular assemblies), cutting, sewing, upholstery, gluing and final assembly. The company also provides full testing capabilities for all currently supplied seats to the rail market.

KSU N.A., LLC employs 145 people which includes an engineering team of 10 people. 

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