1849
The company history begins with Johann Joseph Sallmann; he was born in Saxony, Germany but fled to Switzerland during the revolution of 1849. He established a business in Amriswil in the Swiss Canton of Thurgau, and became the first person to start manufacturing tricot garments in Switzerland. Joseph Sallmann's successors continued the work he had started with great tenacity and innovative drive. ISA Sallmann AG is a family-run business; its present-day manager, Andreas Sallmann, belongs to the sixth generation to manage the company.
1953
JSA Everyman, the figure-hugging underwear for men, takes Switzerland by storm. JSA Everyman had already become established in America, but the men in Switzerland initially wanted to keep a low profile. At that time wide-fitting underwear fastened to the braces were still widely worn.
1960
The company is the first in Switzerland to use the materials helanca and nylon - men's underwear becomes colourful.
1968
Construction of the current company building in Amriswil TG.
1873
The plant in Portugal starts production.
1989
Andreas Sallmann takes over the company and focuses on innovative products in the men's underwear sector. At the same time, he starts producing own brand for major distributors. His goal: ISA bodywear will become number 1 on the Swiss market.
1992
Green Cotton. Sustainability directly noticeable on the skin. ISA bodywear launches the first organic underwear on the market.
2005
ISA bodywear invests in its headquarters in Switzerland and builds a new building (warehouse and shipping building) at its headquarters in Amriswil.
2006
ISA bodywear expands its product range and launches its first lingerie collection for women. 60 % of men's underwear is bought by women - they know and appreciate the advantages of ISA bodywear.
2010
Just in time for ESAF 2010 in Frauenfeld, ISA bodywear launches its first collection for wrestlers. A complete success - the collection is very popular at the wrestlers' festival.
2013
Start-up of our ultra-modern solar plant at the factory in Portugal. Our products are now sewn with 40% solar power.
2014
Investment in machinery. Purchase of a cutting machine and purchase of a new interlock knitting machine.
2019
Exactly on the occasion of the 170th anniversary of the company, Christian Sallmann joins the management of the family business ISA bodywear as the seventh generation.
2020
In January 2020 Thomas Sallmann, as Head of Marketing / Sales, will join the company as a member of the Executive Board and Board of Directors. This means that Andreas Sallmann's second oldest son is also involved in the family business.
2020
Launch of the new ISA B2C online shop. At the beginning of 2020 the new ISA online shop with the complete product range was published. Recently, the store is also available in four languages and in the responsive design.
2021
Despite the Corona pandemic, ISA bodywear continues to invest in its Swiss headquarters in Amriswil. The machine park is being expanded with two new circular knitting machines. The two new machines not only allow for an expansion of capacity, but also save a work step.
2021
On 29.10.2021, the ISA owner, Andreas Sallmann, celebrated his 65th birthday. He partied with 180 companions and handed over the company that evening to his successors, his sons Christian and Thomas, as well as to his long-time Chief Financial Officer, Jürg Keel.
2022
In the summer of 2022, the solar plant in our production area in Portugal was expanded. From now on, 100% of the required process and heating energy will be covered by our own solar system.
2023
ISA Sallmann AG wins Thurgau Business Award. For the jury of the " The Thurgau Apple ", ISA accordingly fulfills the selection criteria such as commitment to the location, innovative strength and sustainability very clearly. ISA resists the trend to buy clothes from large companies producing in low-wage countries and instead successfully invests in the local location and European supply chains. In addition, the contribution to the topic of sustainability was rated very positively.
2024
In April 2024, ISA bodywear celebrated its 175th anniversary with an open house event that attracted numerous visitors. In addition to a journey through the history of ISA Sallmann AG, visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of sustainable cotton and textile processing during a guided tour.
Over 175 years,
as a family business in the seventh generation for you in operation.