Singer sewing machines are made by SVP Worldwide, a private company owned by Platinum Equity that also owns Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff.
The brand invented the first practical sewing machine for general domestic use in 1851 and remains synonymous with home sewing more than 170 years later.
Singer Corporation was founded by Isaac M Singer in 1851, went through bankruptcy in 1999, and was acquired by Kohlberg and Company before eventually becoming part of SVP Worldwide.
Knowing who makes Singer sewing machines helps buyers understand how one of the oldest brand names in American manufacturing ended up under private equity ownership.
This article covers Singer ownership, where the sewing machines are manufactured, the brand’s long history, and answers to common Singer questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Singer Sewing Machines And Who Owns The Brand?
Singer was founded as I. M. Singer and Co in 1851 by Isaac M Singer alongside New York lawyer Edward C Clark.
Singer N.V. filed for bankruptcy in 1999 and was subsequently acquired by private equity firm Kohlberg and Company.
In 2006, Kohlberg combined Singer with the Swedish VSM Group, owner of Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff, to form SVP Worldwide, now owned by Platinum Equity.
Where Are Singer Sewing Machines Manufactured?
SVP Worldwide operates manufacturing facilities across Asia and Latin America to produce Singer branded sewing machines.
The company maintains its corporate headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, with additional research and development centers including one in Sweden.
Singer previously manufactured sewing machines in Australia at a plant in Penrith, western Sydney, from 1959 until 1967.
A Brief History Of Singer
Singer’s original design was the first practical sewing machine for general domestic use, incorporating the basic eye pointed needle and lock stitch.
The company built its first large mass production factory in 1863 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was later renamed Singer Manufacturing Company in 1865.
In 1997, Singer moved its US consumer products and wholesale distribution operations to LaVergne, Tennessee.
What Other Brands Does SVP Worldwide Own?
SVP Worldwide owns Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff alongside Singer, together accounting for more than one out of every three consumer sewing machines sold worldwide.
The company operates across more than 180 countries through a network of dealers, mass retailers, and online distributors.
This shared ownership means Singer, Husqvarna Viking, and Pfaff often draw on overlapping manufacturing and research resources.
Singer vs Brother: Which Sewing Machine Brand Is Better?
Brother is a much larger, publicly traded Japanese conglomerate with a broader printer and electronics business alongside sewing machines.
Singer carries more than 170 years of brand heritage as the inventor of the practical home sewing machine, though it now operates under private equity ownership.
Both brands remain popular among home sewers, with the choice often coming down to specific machine features and budget.
For more comparisons, see our guide to who makes Craftsman tools for another widely available comparison point.
Frequently Asked Questions About Singer Sewing Machines
Who makes Singer sewing machines?
Singer sewing machines are made by SVP Worldwide, a private company owned by Platinum Equity.
Is Singer still an American company?
Singer’s corporate headquarters remains in Nashville, Tennessee, though manufacturing takes place at facilities in Asia and Latin America.
Who owns Singer now?
Singer is owned by SVP Worldwide, which is itself a portfolio company of private equity firm Platinum Equity.
Does Singer own Husqvarna Viking?
Singer and Husqvarna Viking are sibling brands both owned by the same parent company, SVP Worldwide.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.