Our History
A legacy of excellence in the production and supply of sewing thread
ACA started as an import agency in 1953. However, when the South African government imposed high import duties with the aim of boosting local production, ACA recognised the need to establish a local manufacturing plant; and in 1971 a new industrial sewing thread factory was built in Brackenfell, Cape Town.
Some of our products include our locally manufactured Seralon thread (100% polyester all-purpose thread for the industrial and domestic sectors), and Serafil (100% continuous filament polyester thread, suitable for heavy-duty sewing applications in the footwear and industrial sectors).
During the 1980s, we identified the need for embroidery thread in the South African market. In order to provide our customers with the same quality they were accustomed to we started to import MADEIRA embroidery thread. A licensing agreement was signed, giving us sole rights to distribute MADEIRA embroidery thread to the industrial and semi-industrial markets. We are also proud suppliers of a range of embroidery and specialised industrial sewing thread imported from the German AMANN group.
ACA Threads – History
1953
African Consolidated Agencies (Pty) Ltd started by Mr. Herbert Marshing as an import agency
1954
Thread imported from Ackermann, Germany
1968
Association with AMANN Group established
1971
New industrial sewing thread factory built in Brackenfell, Cape Town
1979
Investment in filament twisting for the shoe industry
1981
Dye house commissioned
1989
Mr. Herbert Marshing retires. His son, Mr. Eckhard Marshing, takes over
1998
Partnership with Corval (Pty) Ltd, Zimbabwe
2003
ACA Threads celebrates its 50th anniversary
2009
Expansion of commission dyeing facilities, sales yarn initiated
2010
Installation of new radio frequency dryer
2011
Acquisition of A&E South Africa – upgrades to laboratory, additional winding and twisting capacity
2013
Heat recovery and solar water heating system installed for dye house
2013
Signed agreement with Amann for the distribution of Isacord embroidery thread in Southern Africa
2015
130kWp photovoltaic solar power system installed
2018
Additional 200 kWp photovoltaic solar power system installed. Click here to read more.
2018
ACA Threads becomes a proud member of the CCTC (Cape Town Clothing and Textile Cluster): https://capeclothingcluster.org.za/about-cctc/
2018
Investment into new Datacolor system
2019
Commissioned 3 boreholes and installed a Water Purification Plant. Click here to read more.
2019
Water Recharge Project Implemented. Click here to read more.
2019/20
Investment into new Setex Dyehouse Automation and Orgatex Management System
2020
LED Lighting Upgrade Project Completed. Click here to read more.
2021
Introduction of Dyehouse Setex Energy Management System
2022
Introduction of 3rd Ugolini Dye Machine