About us
The ambition of two wool manufacturing giants
The Iwan Simonis Group wouldn’t be what it is today without the convergence of two family-owned companies: Iwan Simonis and Peltzer & Fils. Respectively founded in the 17th and 18th century, they both specialized in the wool manufacturing in the Belgian town of Verviers where the Iwan Simonis’ factory is still located today. This in turn made Verviers the World Capital of Wool.
After merging their activities in the 1960s, their century-old wool manufacturing expertise focused on the commercial development of the Iwan Simonis billiard cloth worldwide.
Having earned the trust of the most prestigious sports organisations around the world, the Iwan Simonis Group was created with the acquisition of two other centennial manufacturers and pillars of the billiard industry: Saluc SA, Belgian manufacturer of the World’s renowned Aramith billiard balls, and WSP Textiles Ltd, English manufacturer of the no less famous Strachan woollen Snooker, English pool and Heyball cloths.
Here’s how it all happened.
Birth and industrial golden age
Founding of Simonis Mill
Creation of a first woollen factory in Verviers, taking advantage of the exceptionally soft water of the Vesdre, ideal for washing and preparing wool. The Simonis family builds a structured workshop that becomes one of the founding pillars of Belgium’s future wool capital.
Founding of Peltzer & Fils
Jean Henri Peltzer, originally from Stolberg, establishes a wool manufacturing house in Hodimont. The family quickly becomes an influential industrial lineage, active in trade, production and regional economic life.
Cockerill and mechanisation
William Cockerill, a visionary engineer, introduces the first modern spinning machines at Simonis. Verviers shifts into the industrial era: productivity multiplies, innovations follow in quick succession and the local textile industry begins to expand internationally.
Crises, wars and reconfiguration
Gradual decline
Crises, wars and ageing industrial equipment lead to the gradual closure of several sites, including Surdents in 1958. A major fire in 1996 destroys the last remaining vestiges of the old factories, symbolising the physical end of a textile era. Production of billiard cloth survives as a distinctive and highly specialized know how.
A regional industrial Pillar
Despite crises and two world wars, Peltzer maintains a strong local presence. The company modernizes certain activities and remains a key employer in the Verviers region
Union, billards and global leadership
Convergence: creation of s.a. des draps & filés iwan simonis
Merger of the Simonis and Peltzer activities. The Group now focuses its future on a flagship product: Simonis billiard cloth
Refocus on billiard cloth
The Group reorganizes around its best performing product: Simonis billiard cloth. The brand gradually becomes the worldwide reference, adopted by federations and specialised billiard halls.
Expansion into the United States
Opening of Iwan Simonis Inc. near Chicago. This direct presence supports the rapid growth of the North American market and strengthens proximity to distributors and federations.
Saluc (Aramith) joins the group
The combination with Saluc creates a unique Belgian billiard hub, bringing together world-class cloth and balls. Simonis and Aramith products establish themselves as the standard for official competitions.
WSP textiles (Sachant, playne)
The acquisition of WSP brings into the Group Strachan snooker cloth and Playne tennis felt, used in the world’s leading tournaments.
A global champion
Production in Belgium, England and the United States. Presence in more than 90 countries. The Group’s brands equip the majority of international billiard competitions, consolidating its global leadership.