SOFILA, yarn expertise since 1894
SOFILA is one of the main French players in the manufacture of yarns, a profession historically known as “twisting”. Our job is to develop “tailor-made” yarns for our customers according to their expectations and projects.
1894
The company is founded
Run by Armand BILLION, the company is established in the heart of Lyon’s silk district. The company is mainly focused on the silk trade.
1919
Development of twisting
Adding a new activity to the company, and purchasing several twisting workshops in the Rhône-Alpes region over the years. The company is then run by Louis BILLION.
1940
Use of nylon
In partnership with Rhodiaceta, BILLION becomes one of the main synthetic yarn manufacturers in France.
1941
Creation of “Douce Rayonne”
Patent filed by BILLION for the development of a shiny and soft filament yarn.
1947
Creation of ‘mousse’ yarn
Patent filed by BILLION, which brings an important innovation in the preparation of yarns: the texturization of synthetics. This yarn is quickly used by sock and stocking manufacturers, and brings remarkable bulk and elasticity.
1948 - 1967
International development of BILLION
Purchase and construction of several workshops, development of the business throughout the world, in particular thanks to foam yarn and the various innovations brought by BILLION, in partnership with yarn manufacturers: BANLON, TASLAN, AGILON. Development of texturized yarns by false twisting.
1975
Development of SPANBIL
BILLION offers elastane-covered yarns for a rapidly growing use in sports pants and ski socks.
1980 - 1990
Strong evolution of the global textile market
The rise of Asian manufacturers, the opening of borders and the relaxation of customs duties, mainly for imports from Asia, resulted in a significant relocation of the textile industry and consequently of yarn spinning. BILLION, like other players in the sector, saw its activity decline sharply during this period.
1994
Acquisition of the MAYOR group and creation of BILLION MAYOR
To consolidate two major players in the sector.
2002
Refocusing of activity.
Following an uninterrupted decline in volume activities, most of the factories were closed, and the group refocused on more specialized activities, keeping one factory in France and opening a factory in Malaysia.
2012
Consolidation in the sector.
SOFILA, which already included Moulinages Schwarzenbach (1891), Condamin et Prodon (1880) and Moulinages Poizat, joined forces with BILLION MAYOR INDUSTRIES to strengthen its position: the name SOFILA was retained because it was more oriented towards specialist yarns (particularly medical), which corresponded to the company’s development strategy. The company reorganizes its production and retains only two factories: Mirabel and Blacons in the Drôme and Dunières in the Haute Loire.
2013
Acquisition of the business assets of Morel-Journel
One of the oldest silk and thread merchants in the Lyon region, a company founded in 1811.
2016
Acquisition of Transfil
One of the renowned players for quality threads for the lace sector.
2018
Strengthening of SOFILA
On innovation and tailor-made development, creation of the design office, recruitment of a more qualified team for development.
2022
Acceleration on sustainable development
Innovations focused on eco-responsibility and realization of the company’s carbon footprint.
2023
Continued expansion of SOFILA
Laboratory development work and overhaul of the development process, the real lifeblood of the company, to improve responsiveness and expertise.
2024
Acquisition of Moulinage du Solier
Recognized expert in the field of technical yarns (especially aramids, with its own product Nexocolor, a dyed Nomex) and in the processing of large titles up to more than 25,000 dtex.