Madeira Embroidery Threads

What Madeira Embroidery Threads does

Madeira Embroidery Threads, legally Madeira Garnfabrik Rudolf Schmidt KG, is a German industrial manufacturer of embroidery threads, stabilizers, backings, and accessories, headquartered in Freiburg im Breisgau and operating continuously since 1919. The company's core technology is precision-engineered thread manufacturing for industrial multi-needle embroidery machines, with an ISO-certified production process that yields daily quality checks before product release. Its product portfolio spans rayon viscose, polyester, recycled polyester (Polyneon Green, Polyocean), TENCEL Lyocell (Sensa Green), metallic (FS Premium and CR easy-to-use), specialty effects (Frosted Matt, REFLECT reflective), and technical threads including flame-resistant (Fire Fighter FR, DIN EN ISO 11612 D+E certified) and high-conductivity (HC 40) threads for smart textiles. The company also sells cut-away, tear-away, fusible, and recycled backings (E-ZEE Green Cut), needles (Organ, Schmetz), scissors, and starter kits, and operates Pantone color conversion and dye-to-match services.

Name

Madeira Embroidery Threads

Legal name

Madeira Garnfabrik Rudolf Schmidt KG

Website

https://madeira.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Madeira Embroidery Threads is a German manufacturer of industrial embroidery threads, stabilizers, and accessories, founded in 1919 and serving professional embroiderers, textile manufacturers, and fashion/workwear brands globally through subsidiaries and a distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Embroidery Threads and Supplies

NAICS

Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills (31311), Other Textile Product Mills (3149), Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Retailers (45913)

SIC

Wholesale-Apparel, Piece Goods & Notions (5130), Miscellaneous Fabricated Textile Products (2390)

akta.pro primary industry

Threads, Yarns & Sewing Notions (Sewing Thread/Embroidery Thread/Bobbins/Needles) (IMAOALAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Protective & Safety Textiles (FR/Arc/Heat/Cut/Chemical) (IMAOADAA)

Keywords

• Industrial embroidery threads
• Embroidery stabilizers and backings
• Recycled polyester threads
• Technical embroidery threads
• Embroidery supplies

Headquarters

HQ city

Freiburg Im Breisgau

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Industrial Embroidery Threads: Sale of premium embroidery threads including rayon/viscose, polyester, recycled polyester, lyocell, metallic, and specialty threads to industrial embroiderers and textile manufacturers.
2. Embroidery Stabilizers and Backings: Sale of embroidery backings (cut-away, tear-away, fusible), toppings, and specialty materials for embroidery stabilization.
3. Embroidery Accessories: Sale of embroidery needles (Organ, Schmetz), scissors, tools, starter kits, and assortment boxes.
4. Technical/Specialty Threads: Sale of technical threads including conductive, anti-static, fire-resistant, and flame-retardant threads for protective workwear and smart textiles.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Madeira manufactures and sells industrial embroidery threads (rayon viscose, polyester, recycled polyester, lyocell, metallic, specialty and technical threads), embroidery stabilizers and backings, and embroidery accessories (needles, scissors, tools, starter kits). The portfolio is built for industrial multi-needle embroidery machines and distributed globally through country-specific online shops, regional subsidiaries and a worldwide distributor network. It is complemented by professional services including Pantone conversion, dye-to-match, shade cards, and technical consulting for embroiderers and textile manufacturers.

Product overview

Madeira Embroidery Threads (Madeira Garnfabrik Rudolf Schmidt KG) is a leading manufacturer of industrial embroidery threads and supplies based in Freiburg, Germany, with over 100 years of history since 1919. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of embroidery solutions organized primarily under the Madeira Green sustainable sub-brand. Core products include industrial embroidery threads across multiple fiber types: rayon viscose, polyester (including Polyneon Green 100% recycled and Polyocean ocean-sourced), lyocell (Sensa Green from TENCEL), metallic (FS Premium and easy-to-use CR), specialty effects (Frosted Matt matte thread, REFLECT reflective thread), and technical threads (Fire Fighter FR heat-resistant, HC 40 conductive). Supporting products include embroidery stabilizers/backings (E-ZEE Green Cut recycled, fusible, tear-away), embroidery toppings and specialty materials, and accessories (Organ needles, scissors, tools, starter kits). The company provides professional services including Pantone color conversion, 24/7 information availability, and ISO-certified quality manufacturing. Products are optimized for industrial multi-needle embroidery machines and are distributed globally through regional subsidiaries and local partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Madeira Green: Sustainable embroidery supplies product line featuring eco-friendly threads and backings including recycled polyester and Lyocell-based products
• Polyneon Green
• Sensa Green
• Polyocean
• E-ZEE Green Cut
• FIRE FIGHTER
• Frosted Matt
• CR Metallic

Products and services

• Polyneon Green 100% Recycled Polyester Thread 100% recycled polyester embroidery thread made from post-consumer PET bottles, certified GRS and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, for sustainable embroidery on industrial multi-needle machines. Targets professional embroiderers, workwear and corporate fashion manufacturers seeking sustainability credentials.
• Polyocean Ocean-sourced Polyester Thread Recycled polyester thread made from plastic waste collected from the oceans, available in a limited Capsule Colour Collection with dye-to-match customization, for sustainable embroidery on industrial machines.
• Sensa Green Lyocell Embroidery Thread Embroidery thread made from 100% TENCEL Lyocell, providing exceptional softness and sustainability credentials, including colored top threads and corresponding underthread for skin- and environment-friendly embroidery.
• Coloreel Recycled Polyester Thread Recycled polyester thread offered via Coloreel partnership, combining Coloreel single-thread coloring technology with Madeira's sustainable thread range for unlimited color possibilities on industrial embroidery.
• FS Premium Metallic Thread Premium metallic embroidery thread with sophisticated shine for decorative and premium embroidery applications on industrial machines.
• CR Easy to Use Metallic Thread Easy-to-process metallic embroidery thread engineered to reduce thread breakage and improve stitching performance, simplifying metallic embroidery on industrial multi-needle machines.
• Frosted Matt Thread Matte polyester embroidery thread available in 96 colors, designed for eye-catching matte finishes and voluminous embroidery effects.
• REFLECT Reflective Thread Monochrome reflective embroidery thread that reflects light in darkness, delivering a surprise effect and brilliant sheen for visibility-enhancing and decorative embroidery.
• Fire Fighter FR Heat- and Flame-Resistant Thread Fire and heat-resistant embroidery thread certified to DIN EN ISO 11612 D+E for protective textiles against molten metals, with an expanded palette for protective workwear embroidery.
• HC 40 High Conductive Thread High conductivity embroidery thread designed for smart textile applications requiring electrical conduction, enabling e-textile and wearable technology integration with industrial embroidery.
• Chenille Voluminous Thread Voluminous embroidery thread producing raised, fluffy chenille-like effects similar to traditional chenille fabric for decorative and dimensional embroidery.
• Burmilana Cotton-effect Thread Cotton-effect embroidery thread providing natural fiber aesthetics together with the performance of synthetic thread.
• Wool and Cotton Embroidery Threads Natural fiber embroidery threads combining wool and cotton for specialized embroidery applications requiring natural aesthetics.
• Rayon Viscose Embroidery Thread Rayon viscose embroidery thread for general embroidery applications, providing smooth and vibrant results on industrial multi-needle machines.
• Polyester Industrial Embroidery Thread Durable polyester embroidery thread for industrial applications with color-fastness and resistance properties, suitable for high-volume industrial embroidery.
• Underthreads (Bobbin Threads) Specialized bobbin/underthreads for embroidery machines, including corresponding threads matched to top thread product lines such as Sensa Green.
• E-ZEE Green Cut Sustainable Backing Responsibly produced cut-away embroidery backing made from 100% recycled polyester (rPES) from post-consumer PET bottles, available on rolls in two weight options and three widths.
• Embroidery Backings (Cut-away and Tear-away) Stabilizer backings including cut-away and tear-away varieties used to support fabric during industrial embroidery.
• Fusible Backings Heat-activated embroidery backings that fuse to fabric to provide stability during embroidery on materials that cannot be hooped without distortion.
• Embroidery Toppings and Speciality Materials Water-soluble toppings, adhesive films, and specialty materials used to achieve optimal embroidery results on various fabrics and pile surfaces.
• Organ Needles (Embroidery) Premium embroidery needles from Organ including S-point needles for light knitwear and needles designed for Brother PR embroidery machines with automatic needle threader, supplied as part of Madeira's accessory portfolio.
• Embroidery Scissors Precision scissors designed for cutting embroidery threads and trimming stabilizer materials.
• Embroidery Tools Various embroidery accessories including thread tension meters, hoop aids, and other tools used during embroidery production.
• Starter Kits and Assortment Boxes Pre-selected collections of threads and accessories packaged for embroiderers getting started or expanding their supply selection.
• Madeira Green Sustainable Embroidery Supplies Line Sub-brand product line aggregating Madeira's eco-friendly threads and backings, including Polyneon Green, Sensa Green, Polyocean, and E-ZEE Green Cut, for buyers seeking sustainable embroidery supplies.
• Pantone Color Conversion Service Online tool and downloadable PDF for converting Pantone colors to Madeira thread equivalents, enabling corporate designers to match brand colors to the Madeira thread range.
• Shade Cards Color reference cards and conversion guides for all Madeira thread product lines, including Pantone conversion guides, supporting accurate thread color selection for embroidery projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96% customer satisfaction achieved in Deutschland's Kundenchampions B2B competition
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Organ Needle CompanycoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Premium needle manufacturer whose products are offered as part of Madeira's embroidery accessory portfolio. Includes S-point needles for light knits and needles specifically designed for Brother PR machines with automatic needle threader.
• AMD München (Akademie Mode & Design)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Collaborative embroidery and fashion project titled 'Frida Kahlo - Fashion & Pain' where Madeira supplied threads and expertise while fashion design students created embroidery projects. The project included a competition with winners displaying work at major textile exhibitions.
• ZSK Stickmaschinen KrefeldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmbroidery machine manufacturer partner in the Frida Kahlo project, providing machine embroidery expertise and hosting project results at their internal exhibition. Collaboration demonstrates the intersection of machine technology and creative embroidery design.
• TENCEL / Lenzing AGcoreTechnology or IntegrationRaw material supplier for Sensa Green lyocell embroidery threads. TENCEL Lyocell is sourced from sustainable wood pulp and forms the basis of Madeira's most sustainable natural fiber embroidery thread line.
• ECOCERT GreenlifecoreOthersCertification body providing GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification for Madeira's Polyneon Green recycled polyester thread, independently verifying recycled content and supply chain compliance.
• BrothercoreTechnology or IntegrationEmbroidery machine manufacturer whose Brother PR series machines with automatic needle threader are specifically supported with dedicated needles from Organ (formerly Schmetz/Groz-Beckert) as part of Madeira's accessory range.
• Schmetz/Groz-BeckertcoreTechnology or IntegrationFollowing the Schmetz and Groz-Beckert merger, all 130/705 H system needles are now branded Schmetz. These needles are offered as part of Madeira's embroidery accessory portfolio, including semi-professional Brother PR needles.
• Avenit AGminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWebsite concept, design and development partner responsible for Madeira's corporate website (madeira.com) and international country-specific sites.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Lenzing AG: Producer of TENCEL Lyocell fibers used as upstream input for Madeira's Sensa Green line. Upstream supplier/partner rather than direct competitor, but materially relevant to Madeira's sustainable thread value proposition.
• Organ Needle Company: Premium industrial needle manufacturer whose products Madeira resells as part of its accessory portfolio. Ecosystem partner with closely aligned embroidery industry customer base.

Emerging players

• Prym Group: Manufacturer and distributor of sewing notions, threads, and haberdashery products with embroidery-adjacent offerings. Partial overlap with Madeira in thread and accessory categories.

Broad incumbents

• Coats Group: Global industrial thread and textile manufacturer with broad apparel and footwear thread portfolio. Directly comparable as a producer of industrial sewing and embroidery threads at significantly larger scale than Madeira.
• American & Efird (A&E): One of the world's largest industrial thread manufacturers, including the Isacord embroidery thread brand. Competes directly with Madeira in industrial embroidery threads globally with broader geographic and product reach.

Direct peers

• DMC (Dollfus-Mieg & Compagnie): Long-established French thread and embroidery materials manufacturer with comparable heritage positioning. Directly competes in embroidery threads and craft/industrial thread segments.
• Robison-Anton: Specialized US manufacturer of rayon and polyester embroidery threads serving industrial embroidery machines. Closely comparable niche specialty embroidery thread producer.
• YLI Corporation: US-based manufacturer of embroidery threads, quilting threads, and specialty threads. Comparable as a specialty thread producer serving the industrial embroidery machine market.
• Gütermann: German premium sewing and embroidery thread manufacturer with comparable heritage and product positioning. Direct competitor in industrial and consumer embroidery threads, particularly in European markets.
• Sulky: Embroidery thread and stabilizer specialist serving industrial and consumer embroidery markets. Direct peer in embroidery thread and stabilizer product categories.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCuA85Rlyl-PVFWL1Um8mhpA
• Facebookfacebook.com/madeiragarnfabrik
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/madeira-embroidery-threads
• Instagraminstagram.com/madeiragarnfabrik

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Madeira Embroidery Threads