The Hesslein family, traders in fabrics from the 17th century in Germany, founded the S. A. Hesslein Co. (SAHCO) in 1840, selling precious silks imported by coach from Paris and Lyon. The company prospered through the tumultuous years that followed, despite near total destruction due to the intensive bombardment of Nuremberg during World War II. Over the years that followed, Sahco Hesslein became known for exceptional silks, elegant in long color lines, as well as exciting novelty fabrics. Sahco expanded to become a truly global company toward the end of the 20th century, and broadened its award-winning textile range with the design portfolios of Ulf Moritz and Lori Weitzner. Today Sahco is perhaps the preeminent German decorative textile company, with a large range of luxurious contemporary fabrics from elegant basics to cutting-edge designs that are as much modern art as they are spectacular textile designs.