About Us
The Preferred Choice for Transport Operators
History
James McConnell founded the company in 1952 and the second generation of McConnell’s under the leadership of Denis McConnell continued to successfully run the business up until 2014. The APM Automotive Group purchased the business and continues to build on the reputation for honesty and integrity that has been built over 70 years in the public transport industry.
Strategy
Our strategy is to maintain Australian design, localisation and manufacturing of products in a sustainable and eco-friendly facility. We have been investing in renewable energy since 2018 with the installation of a 99kW Solar System to reduce our carbon footprint. We are committed to reducing materials going into land fill by donating scrap materials and wood to Resource Rescue Inc. Metal and cardboard is recycled further reducing our carbon footprint.
Customers
We supply to all the major bus bodies builders and operators in Australia and are the preferred choice for New Zealand operators. Being the leader in the transport industry we manufacture passenger seating for:
- Luxury Coaches, Day Charters and School Buses
- Urban Buses
- Rail and Light Rail Systems
- Train Driver and Train Observer
Experience
Experience, knowledge and vision is the foundation of our design and product which, together with being a part of a renowned global company pave the way for optimized manufacturing and products which offer maximum safety, comfort and reliability.
Location
We moved to our current location of Broadmeadows in 2017. With locations in Victoria and NSW, it was not long before we expanded into Queensland. McConnell Seats purchased the Locomotive Seats Australia business in 2016. Loco Seats is the leading manufacturer of train driver and observer seating for the local rail industry with exports to the United States, Korea and China.
In 2021 we opened a facility in Bayswater Western Australia to supply and service the next generation of C-series trains for Perth’s growing rail network. The Perth Metronet project is an 8 year program.
Current Major Customers
McConnell Seats Today
Why Choose Us
Products and components are certified to Australian Design Regulations and recognised standards.
Our seats are completely manufactured in-house from the metal fabrication right through to the final trim.
We aim to be a globally competitive supplier to all aspects of commercial transport seating industry by providing total satisfaction that surpasses customer expectations.
Our large modern factory is located at Broadmeadows, Victoria, and provides the best in design and manufactured products and services.
Our Mission
We aim to be a globally competitive supplier to all aspects of commercial transport seating industry by providing total satisfaction that surpasses customer expectations. This is achieved by the continuous improvement of products, quality and an unrelenting commitment to customer service through the development of our highly skilled and innovative staff.
Our Vision
Products and components are certified to Australian Design Regulations and recognised standards. In a market which is becoming increasing safety conscious, we believe that our marketing and design team plus the latest in production and construction techniques allow us to offer far superior services and products.