Who we are
Inventor of the clip system and pioneers of modern stretch fabric, SWAL™ has been revolutionizing the upholsterer and decorator trades for 44 years.
44 Years of Innovation Serving Stretch Fabric
The story of SWAL™ began in 1981 with an idea as simple as it was visionary: to invent an installation system that simplifies upholsterers’ work while opening new aesthetic and technical possibilities.
Claude Swal, a craftsman upholsterer-decorator, faced the constraints of traditional methods daily. He envisioned a universal tension system capable of adapting to all shapes and materials without compromising the quality of the final result. He personally designed the first prototype, the ClipSWAL® 105, which he used on his own projects.
In 1986, the system was refined, patented, and Claude Swal decided to promote it. He met artisans, conducted demonstrations, and participated in trade shows. The method quickly gained popularity: time-saving, easy installation and removal, impeccable results. A new way to install stretch fabric was born.
A Process That Transforms the Trade
By the 1990s, the SWAL® system was adopted by many professionals in France and internationally. Thanks to a partnership with a renowned textile group, SWAL™ profiles were widely distributed. The company expanded into new markets: Germany, USA, Brazil, Russia, Kuwait, Dubai...
As its expertise grew, SWAL™ continued to innovate to meet new uses. It designed special profiles for stretch ceilings, known for their quick, discreet, and durable installation. In 2003, the company launched SWALline®, a heated PVC stretch ceiling solution. Two years later, it developed SWALor®, a decorative button-tufted system with patented buttons.
Distribution contracts with a major global textile group allowed the system to reach wider markets. SWAL™ enjoyed great success across Europe and in emerging countries such as Dubai, Kuwait, and Russia.
A French Company with a Pioneering Spirit
SWAL SYSTEM™ is recognized as the inventor of the clip system for flexible coverings and as a pioneer of modern stretch fabric. Over 44 years, the company has preserved its artisanal spirit while building a solid, technical offering focused on renovation and interior design professionals.
Each product is built on three core pillars:
- Simplicity: PVC profiles that are easy to work with, adjust, and adapt to site constraints.
- Performance: A reliable, durable system designed for all types of configurations.
- Design: An impeccable finish, highly valued for high-end projects and demanding installations.
A Family Story Preserving Expertise
Since 2012, the company has been led by Florent SWAL, the founder’s son. At the helm of SWAL™, he continues the spirit of innovation and excellence that has always driven the brand while steering it toward new technical and aesthetic horizons.
Today, all teams and workshops are based in Tarare, near Lyon, in the heart of an industrial region looking to the future. This location reflects SWAL™’s commitment to its French roots, manufacturing quality, and proximity to building and interior design professionals.
Expertise That Continues to Evolve
SWAL™ is also a French company that constantly invests in research and development. Our technical teams and R&D department work daily to improve solutions, create new profiles, and perfect installation accessories.
We also pride ourselves on supporting professionals in the field:
- A showroom to test our products
- Clear installation guides available online
- Technical support and responsive after-sales service
- A Pro Starter offer to assist with your first project
- Trainings and demonstrations to share our method
A Trusted Solution Across Continents
By 2025, the SWAL™ system is used worldwide. It equips homes, offices, shops, hotels, theaters, and public spaces. Whether for decoration, acoustics, or renovation projects, it remains a reference for professionals seeking an aesthetic, quick-to-install, and durable result.
The story of SWAL™ is that of a French invention that transformed a trade. And 44 years later, it continues to evolve alongside those shaping the spaces of tomorrow.