sia Abrasives celebrates its 150th anniversary
sia Abrasives Industries AG, now a subsidiary of Bosch, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Based in Frauenfeld, the company is one of the leading manufacturers of flexible abrasives and has worldwide industrial expertise in the aerospace, automotive, interior design, furniture and metal construction sectors.
Who doesn't know them: the sandpaper with "SIA" printed on the back. The manufacturer of these products, which are widely used by professionals and hobby craftsmen alike, sia Abrasives Industries AG, is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025. In 1875, the company began the first mechanical production of flexible abrasives at its current site in Frauenfeld. Over the course of a century and a half, it has developed into a global specialist for customized industrial solutions. Sia Abrasives employs around 1,000 people worldwide and around 350 at the Frauenfeld site. Since 2008, sia Abrasives has been part of the Bosch Group and is assigned to the Power Tools division. "It is no coincidence that our company is celebrating its 150th anniversary. It is the result of clear specialization, deep-rooted expertise and the courage to innovate. We owe this success to each and every employee who brings our values to life day after day with commitment, expertise and conviction," explains Paulo Ferrari, CEO of sia Abrasives Industries AG.
Pioneering work in the development of flexible abrasives
Since its foundation, the company has played a decisive role in shaping the development of abrasives. Originally established as a chemical factory, it began producing flexible abrasives at the Frauenfeld site in 1875, laying the foundations for an impressive success story. Even in the first few years after its foundation, the company recognized the growing demands of the industrial revolution. Increasing quality demands require specialized tools, especially for the fine sanding of surfaces. With the introduction of emery paper and emery cloth in 1875, the company closes a significant gap in the market and establishes itself as the only producer of flexible abrasives in Switzerland.
Global industry expertise
Today, sia Abrasives is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality abrasives and offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for industry and trade. With over 150 years of experience in abrasives production, the company combines technological innovation with proven expertise. The company has positioned itself internationally as an important partner for professional sanding tasks and the achievement of perfect surfaces. Its international expertise is particularly recognized in the aerospace, automotive, interior design, furniture and metal construction sectors.
Latest technologies
In 2012, sia Abrasives commissioned the new "Maker 5" production facility for flexible abrasives in Frauenfeld. This plant is one of the most modern in the world and underlines the sustainable expansion of the competence center in Frauenfeld. Numerous components interact in a finely tuned way to create a modularized manufacturing process that enables just-in-time production and the next generation of modern abrasives.
In addition, new machines capable of producing abrasive belt rolls with a width of up to two meters are used in Maker 5. Initiated by a strategic investment from Bosch Power Tools, sia Abrasives and FerRobotics Compliant Robot Technology GmbH have been working closely together since 2023. FerRobotics is a leading provider of solutions for industrial robotic grinding, particularly in contact-sensitive automation. The aim of the cooperation is to create maximum added value for industrial customers through the combination of a unique portfolio of abrasives and the use of robots equipped with tactile sensitivity.
Source: www.bosch.com. More information: www.siaabrasives.com
