Silva

Three entrepreneurial brothers. One great invention. In 1933, Björn, Alvar and Arvid Kjellström invented the first ever liquid-filled compass, and our story began. Not only was it the first compass of its kind, but is also set the global standard for how navigation works. The SILVA brand was born.

TIMELINE:

1928

Gunnar Tillander invents the first orienteering (protractor) compass.

1932

The Silva company is established in December

1933

Bröderna Kjellström and Instrumentverken (Silva brand) established, based on invention of liquid filled compass

1946

Bjorn Kjellstrom begins Silva U.S.A. operations as The Silva Company (later Silva, Inc.). Compass assembly factory in Indiana.

Silva Orienteering Services established to support the sport of Orienteering in North America.

1948

Kjellstrom founds Silva Ltd. of Canada.

1958

Silva expands with the acquisition of an injection molding plastic equipment

1964

Type 15 (Ranger) deluxe model compass introduced, with mirror sighting system, and adjustable declination

1973

New manufacturing plant for Instrumentverken was built in Sollentuna

1980

Tillander founder family become a 100% owner of all shares. Bröderna Kjellström company is renamed Silva Sweden AB

1981

Silva launches its first marine electronic instrument

1981

Silva Ltd in UK was established

1982

Silva France S.A.R.L. was established

1987

Silva Far East Hong Kong was established

1989

Instrumentverken was renamed to Silva Production AB

1992

Launches the world first handheld GPS with an integrated digital compass

1995

Bjorn Kjellstrom dies

1996

Silva Sweden AB acquires all shares in the Brunton Company in USA

2000

Silva Production and Silva Sweden AB is merged into one company Silva Sweden AB

2002

Silva Germany was established

2004

Silva China, production plant, was established

2005

Silva’s Marine business is gathered into one company Silva Nexus Marine AB

2006

Fiskars Corporation acquires Silva Sweden AB

More info at
https://silva-canada.com/pages/about-silva