In the early 1860s, Theodor Lang bought an old farm with a mill in Reiden, Switzerland. On this property, having secured the rights to use power from the river "Wigger", he constructed a mechanical cotton-spinning mill. He was a pioneer of textile industrialization in Switzerland and developed business for the domestic Swiss market as well as the neighboring countries, France and Germany.

LANG & Company spun pure combed mako cotton yarns up to the finest counts of Ne 30 (25,200 yards per pound).

Photo: Theodor Lang

In 1890 Ernest Lang, son of Theodor, took over the factory. Production was electrified and a hydraulic power plant was constructed. In the year 1894, the twisting department was added to enhance production. At that time the first high quality handknitting yarns were produced. 

In the 1920s, after the early death of Ernst Lang, Erich Lang succeeded his father running the business. During this difficult time of the great depression, he decided to sell handknitting yarns under his own brand – Lang Yarns.

At that time, quality, constant innovation, modifications of machinery and research of market demands had become the keys to success in the market. 

With the acceleration of global trade in the 1960s, Ernst Lang II developed business and built up additional export markets like the USA and Japan. Leadership in the technical development of handknitting and industrial effect yarns was our goal.

photos: Ernst Lang II (above)
balling department (right)

LANG YARNS has become one of the most respected brands of handknitting yarns in the world. Because of the deindustrialization of Switzerland and Europe, LANG YARNS is cooperating with industrial partners. Jakob Lang, 5th generation, succeeded his father in the 90s.

photo: Jacob Lang  

Passion for yarns, a fascination with continuous innovation, a tradition of handknitting and a rich textile background gives us new ideas and energy every day.

photo: power plant

To find out more, visit langyarns.com