Pat B. of Indiana presented this information on the ISMACS Digest
Subject: Favta sewing machine Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2004 20:32:35 -500 X-Message-Number: 7
Background: Some time ago Christine Thresh in California and Chris Carter in England inquired about the Favta sewing machine. I don't think either member ever received a response. Recently I was in contact with Sylvia Lanza (Massachusetts) regarding translations from Dr. Peter Wilhelm's book "Alte Nähmaschinen".
Sylvia kindly offered to translate excerpts regarding the Favta sewing machine which I'm sharing with you. She wrote that "Since Favta was taken over by Keller, I include the Keller blurb as well."
Favta, Frauenfeld
The Favta Sewing Machine Factory was founded in 1952 in Frauenfeld as an Investment by a German-Argentinian. The technical head was the son of Friedrich Meister of Schweinfurt. In 1957 the plant moved to Kreutzlingen. Since the production here was not profitable, in 1961, Apag in Goldach (see Keller), took over the establishment of Favta Sewing Machines. The reorganization and expansion of the operation continued to the end of 1962. At the beginning in 1963 the first Favta Sewing Machine made in Goldach. came on the market. Models produced were Darling Sewing Machine, Favta Freearm Automatic, and Favta Flatbed ZZ. Production of Favta and Keller sewing machines through Apag was halted in 1966.
Keller, Goldach
The Keller Sewing Machine was itself at one time exceptional phenomenon in the European market. With its rotary freearm it could sew and mend & embroider without changing the mechanism. Joseph Keller had worked on the development of this machine since 1943, and it was brought to market in 1947
Although the machines were assembled in their own factory Keller AG in Rohrschach, parts were manufactured by another firm. In 1955 the Apparatebau AG in Goldach (Apag) was established in Goldach.
In this interval Keller further developed the machine and offered 3 new models. A few years later it produced several other models for Southern Germany and Austria.
The Keller sewing machines were very heavy and difficult for women to carry. In addition Keller wanted to use only the best materials, which made the Machines somewhat expensive. The selling price of each machine could not be made high enough for the operation to be truly profitable. In the mid-sixties sales and profits began falling. In 1966 production stopped and the last machine left the line. In October 1966, the firm Bieg in Kreutzlingen made replacement parts for Keller. The Bieg Sewing Centers performed repairs on the machines. Up to 1994, when Bieg retired, they continued this service.
Pat B in Indiana
or send e-mail to christine@winnowing.com