Milsco – 100 years of seating innvovation

For a century, Milsco has been crafting the foundation of a wide range of vehicles. While it may not be obvious from the name, you may have seen their products on the equipment right in your own yard. From lawn mowers to off-highway vehicles, they continue to lead the industry in innovating seating solutions to carry you through any adventure.
Carl Swenson founded the company in 1924 as the Milwaukee Saddlery Company, manufacturing horse harnesses. Ten years into their operations, the company developed the very first buddy seat for Harley Davidson. Milwaukee Saddlery would continue to introduce new innovations, with their seating solutions even being used to support the war efforts in 1940. During this time, they would produce bomber, motorcycle, and tank seats.
In 1948, the company was officially renamed to Milsco Manufacturing Company, and the focus shifted to the automotive industry. In the 1970s, Milsco would make a name for itself as an innovator through its unique products, such as the Marathon seat for construction vehicles, foam in-place seats, Titan air suspension seats, and King and Queen motorcycle seats.
Milsco would open operations in Redgranite in the mid-70s. Up until 1988, the facility only made foam at this location, and the cushions would then be sent to Milwaukee for assembly. Milsco Redgranite would not have its first assembly projects until 1988. Just a decade later, in 1996, the facility installed their very first robot on the glue line to flame the seat shells and place the glue beads to secure the cushion to the outer shell layer.
In the early days of the manufacturing process, foam was all manually poured, which required an operator to man the pour head and pour the foam into the tool, then close the lid. This was a very hands-on and labor-intensive process. To simplify the process, Milsco Redgranite would introduce their first FIP (Foam in Place) robot in 2005. This allowed for more accurate pouring and less scrap.

To this day, Milsco remains a key player in the power sports, turf care, and heavy industrial seating innovations. Milsco Redgranite will be completing the installation of their new highly automated FIP line this year. The line will include seven robots – One to spray mold release, one to take the frame off the tools, one to remove vinyl from the ovens, one to open tools, one to fit the vinyl into the tools, one to pour foam pick foam balls, and one more to spray mold release. This will make the process more efficient, and will still require operators to load in the vinyl, demold cushions, and trim the cushions.
Milsco’s core values have guided them throughout their operations: Safety, Integrity, Quality, Innovation, Agility, and Collaboration. This is showcased each and every day in their operations.
Milsco Redgranite employs mostly Waushara County residents, along with a few from surrounding counties. The company has grown alongside the community and still remains dedicated to giving back in every way possible. They regularly host blood drives, charitable food drives, and their annual “Family in Need” drive. Employees will also come together at the annual Christmas party to raise over $800 in donations each year for our local food pantries.
In addition to these efforts, Milsco also proudly supports local activities and volunteer groups. They have sponsored local initiatives such as the Redgranite Labor Day Festival, Wautoma High School Booster Club, TreeHouse of Central Wisconsin, and several other local causes.
Going forward, Milsco hopes to carry out its’ vision of connecting people to their vehicles through innovative seating solutions that deliver customers an inspiring experience. With a legacy built on scientific and design innovation and a future fueled by collaboration, Milsco will ensure that every ride—no matter the journey—remains comfortable.