La Fabra i Coats is a fundamental part of the Sant Andreu district and a key point in understanding its history.

Founded in 1837 by Ferran Puig i Gibert under the name of El Vapor de Fil, the establishment of the factory in Sant Andreu became a clear symbol of the change from an agricultural society, which took advantage of the Rec Comtal*for its crops, to a new one destined for the industry.

Puig i Gilabert ran the company in partnership with his son-in-law, Camil Fabra i Montanills, under the name of Camil Fabra i Cia and dedicated entirely to the manufacture of linen yarns and twisted linen.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, an entrepreneur named James Clark and the Coats family dominated 80% of the production of sewing thread in Great Britain, a professional success that gave them the possibility of expanding their business to Japan, Mexico, Europe and even Catalonia.

____
*is an old irrigation canal that served the inhabitants of the Barcelona plain from its construction until the beginning of the 19th century. The construction has its origins in an ancient Roman aqueduct that channelled water from the river Besós.