sia Group

History

 

The early years

1867    Chemical factory established in Frauenfeld
1875 First coated abrasives manufactured at the present location
1914 Company converted into a stock corporation
 

Ever since the turn of the twentieth century, sia Abrasives Industries AG has been the only Swiss company making coated abrasives.

From modest beginnings, starting with sandpaper and emery cloth manufacturing as first recorded in 1875, the company has grown to be the world’s third largest manufacturer in the industry.

 

 

Recent history

1991    Separation of ownership and operational management
1997 Management buyout
1998 Launch of a new global corporate identity
1999 Initial public offering on the Swiss Stock Exchange
2000 125th anniversary of mechanical manufacturing of coated abrasives
2001 Expansion into nonwoven abrasives with the acquisition of sia Fibral Ltd. (UK)
2005 Expansion into the market for abrasive coated foam products (sanding pads and blocks) with the acquisition of sia Abrafoam Ltd. (UK)
2008 Acquisition of sia Abrasives by Robert Bosch GmbH
2009 Delisting of sia shares from the Swiss Stock Exchange


40 years ago, sia Abrasives employed fewer than 150 people. Today, it boasts a worldwide workforce of more than 1250 employees devoted to all aspects of abrasive processes, from research and development through manufacturing to marketing and sales.

sia Abrasives is highly focused on global markets, exporting more than 90% of its production to over 80 countries.

With its 17 Group companies in Europe and overseas coupled with a worldwide network of exclusive representatives, sia Abrasives demonstrates its commitment to customer proximity and efficiency in the international arena.