Just a few years after our we were founded 1867 we recognised the signs of the times: the rising quality expectations of the ongoing Industrial Revolution generated demand for suitable tools, e.g. for surface finishing. We therefore began producing emery paper and emery cloth in 1875. A market niche has been discovered. In those days we were the only Swiss manufacturer of coated abrasives. Over time our company has grown to be the one of the largest manufacturers in the industry.

40 years ago, sia Abrasives employed fewer than 150 people. Today, it boasts a workforce of around 1300 employees worldwide devoted to all aspects of abrasive processes, from research and development, manufacturing and production, applications engineering to consultation and sales.
sia Abrasives is highly focused on global markets, exporting more than 90% of its production to over 80 countries. With own branches in Europe and overseas coupled with a world-wide network of exclusive representatives, sia Abrasives demonstrates its commitment to customer proximity and efficiency in the international arena.

1809  First known formula for coated abrasives
1875  First mechanical production of coated abrasives at Frauenfeld (CH)
1914  Establishment of "Schweizer Schmirgel- und Schleifindustrie AG"
1999  Stock exchange flotation on the SIX Swiss Exchange
2001  Expansion into fleece abrasives with the acquisition of sia Fibral Ltd. (UK)
2005  Expansion into foam abrasives with the acquisition of sia Abrafoam Ltd. (UK)
2008  Takeover of sia Abrasives by Robert Bosch GmbH
2009  Delisting of sia shares from the Swiss stock exchange
2012  Opening of the "Maker 5" abrasives factory at the Frauenfeld headquarters (CH)