1974
A Journey Begins
Anil Somaia migrates his family to Australia from India.
1977
A Humble Beginning
Anil starts his textile business selling salon towels from the boot of his car.
1980
Initial Success
Anil’s business wins a large amount of Government quota for textiles. Simba textiles is born.
1985
Changes Happening
Simba textiles moves into manufacturing within Australia. The eldest son, Hiten Somaia joins the business to head up the manufacturing business. The youngest son, Kamal begins his journey as a professional cricketer.
1990
Kamal joins Simba
With the business growing, Kamal retires from cricket and joins Simba to build the Retail business.
1993
Lina starts KKEL
Youngest sibling, Lina Somaia starts Kangaroo Kids in India. Kangaroo Kids is the most trusted education brand in India.
1995
A Retail force
Simba under its Retail umbrella Domtex becomes a major force in Australian Retail textiles.
1999
Simba USA is born
Hiten shares a vivid dream with his brother Kamal that envisions a bold new innovation play. The blueprint towards mass customisation and a journey to Kentucky USA starts Simba on a path of textile innovation.
2001
Learnings for a Smarter Future
While at the time, the cost of establishing Simba USA would place a heavy burden on the family and its bottom line, the Simba USA ventures continue to thrive today, and provide key relationships with major USA players. It would also inform Simba on technology implementation down the track.
2008
Re-establishing
Simba re-establishes itself in the Australian commercial textile market.
2009-17
Simba records amazing growth
During a period of great growth, Simba builds in size and supply scope, acquiring 5 companies and expanding into the New Zealand and Singapore markets. In 2015, the Somaia Group of companies re-brand as Simba Global.
2018
From textile to tech
Simba would see an opportunity to offer its existing commercial linen customers with a turnkey RFID solution that combines all elements of the RFID package (chipped linen, hardware and software). Simba SmartLinen commences installations across Australia and New Zealand.