Where are sewing machines actually made? (Part 2)

Part 2: Bernina, Elna, Singer, Pfaff, and Viking

Greetings everybody,

This edition of The Sewing Machine Newsletter is Part 2 of a series where we examine where sewing machine companies actually manufacture their machines. In Part 1 we examined Japanese companies like Janome, Baby Lock, Brother, and Juki:

Where Are Sewing Machines Actually Made? (Part 1)

In Part 2, we cover a handful of popular non-Japanese companies. Singer originated in the United States. Bernina and Elna both have Swiss roots. Pfaff began in Germany. Viking has origins in Sweden. But where are their factories located in 2025?

Let’s find out.

—Cale

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Bernina

Bernina operates two primary manufacturing facilities:

🇨🇭Steckborn, Switzerland

Bernina's headquarters and original factory are located in Steckborn, a town on the shores of Lake Constance in Switzerland. Established in 1893, this facility focuses on the production of Bernina's 8-series machines, as well as their beautiful long-arm quilting machines.

🇹🇭 Lamphun, Thailand

To meet global demand and manage production costs, Bernina established a wholly-owned manufacturing facility in Lamphun, Thailand, in 1990. This factory produces Bernina's entry-level to mid-range sewing machines, up to the 7 Series. The facility is managed by Swiss staff to ensure adherence to Bernina's quality standards. Many components produced here are also used in machines assembled in Switzerland.

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Singer

Singer Corporation, founded in 1851 by Isaac Singer, has a rich manufacturing history that spans multiple continents. Today, Singer operates under SVP Worldwide, alongside Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff.

Here's an overview of Singer's manufacturing evolution and current operations:

Singer’s Historical Manufacturing Hubs

Old Singer Sewing Machine Factory, Newark Bay, Elizabeth NJ

United States

• Elizabeth, New Jersey: Established in 1873, this facility became one of the world's largest sewing machine factories, employing up to 40,000 workers before its closure in 1982.

• South Bend, Indiana: Opened in 1868, it was the largest sewing machine cabinet factory globally by 1901.

• Other Locations: Singer also operated factories in Anderson, South Carolina, and Bridgeport, Connecticut.

United Kingdom

• Clydebank, Scotland: Built between 1882 and 1885, this was once the world's largest sewing machine factory, producing up to 8,000 machines weekly.

Germany

• Wittenberge: Opened in 1904, this plant was a significant European production site until its dismantling post-World War II.

Brazil

• Campinas, São Paulo: Established in 1955, this was Singer's first Latin American factory.

Singer’s Current Manufacturing Landscape