Our heritage – 200 years of experience
Sefar has always combined experience with innovation to create tailored solutions. As a family-owned company, we act with foresight, responsibility, and a passion for progress.
The Beginnings – Pioneering Spirit with Foresight
Sefar's roots date back to 1830, when Pierre A. Dufour began manufacturing silk gauze for flour sieves – commissioned by Heinrich Bodmer. Just three years later, he founded the company Dufour & Co. together with Johannes Allisbach. The first exports to the USA soon followed. After Dufour's early death, his wife Joséphine Dufour-Onofrio took over the leadership and shaped the company with entrepreneurial courage and strategic foresight – as one of the few women at the head of an industrial enterprise in the 19th century.
1830 – The Beginning
In Thal, Pierre A. Dufour begins manufacturing silk gauze – the origin of Sefar.
Industrialization – Quality from Appenzell
At a time when competition was constantly growing, Dufour & Co. focused on a smart combination of regional craftsmanship and an international distribution network. The so-called "Ferggereien" played a central role in this: they not only ensured quality but served as the communication link between city and countryside, weavers and exporters. Sefar's reputation as a manufacturer of the highest quality was established during this period – and continues to this day.
1850 – 1899 – Booming Years
Rival weaving firms are being founded in Zurich and Eastern Switzerland.
Internationalisation: A Strong Network Emerges
With expansion into North America and the establishment of international representations, Dufour & Co. became a globally operating company. At the same time, technological developments and competitive pressure from France led to the formation of strong alliances. Swiss traditional companies joined forces to pool know-how and market shares. By this the foundation for today's corporate network was laid.
1890 – Focus on Milling
First subsidiary of Dufour & Co. founded in New York.
Technology as the Driver of Progress
In 1930, the era of mechanization begins at Sefar with the first mechanical loom. Initially still prone to errors, machines soon achieve the quality of hand-woven fabrics – with higher efficiency. As early as 1950, the first synthetic yarn experiments follow. After the war, the combination of traditional skills and modern materials succeeds – the starting point for new applications in industry, printing and filtration.
1930 – Quantum Leap
Hand-operated looms are gradually replaced by mechanical weaving machines.
The Birth of Sefar: The Strategic New Beginning
In 1995, SST, SSZ and ZBF united under a new, common name – Sefar. The new structure created clarity, efficiency and a strong brand that stands for quality, innovation and global focus. The name itself derives from SEidenFAbrikanten Réunion – a commitment to both the heritage and the merger.
1995 – Market orientation
SST, SSZ and ZBF merge to form Sefar, subdivided into 2 divisions: Screen Printing & Filtration. The name Sefar derives from 'SEiden-FAbrikanten Réunion'. The presence in Asia Pacific is being reinforced with subsidiaries in Thailand and Singapore.
Functional organization & value chain: Everything from a single source
With the acquisition of yarn manufacturer Monosuisse, Sefar now controls the entire value chain – from raw materials to finished products. The transition to a functional organization strengthens transparency, quality assurance, and customer proximity worldwide. For our partners, this means maximum control, maximum precision, and solutions you can rely on – made by Sefar.
2009 – Control of the entire value chain
With the acquisition of Monosuisse, Sefar now produces everything itself, from yarn to finished fabric.
