When shopping for a sewing machine, you will likely run across machines manufactured by Bernina. They are considered to be one of the most influential sewing machine brands in the world. The actual Bernina brand began in 1893, in Steckborn, Switzerland. The same family who started the company have passed it down through four generations, and it is still owned by them. Bernina of America was founded in Chicago, in 1969. The headquarters remain in Chicago, and it continues to be a location for training and education provided to Bernina dealers or Bernina customers.