The
History of J.S. Vila Co, Inc.
In 1884, Joseph Sabau Vila, an immigrant from Spain, founded the J.S.
Vila Co. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a regional distributor of
dyes and chemicals to the textile industry. The family business was
originally located in a storefront building on Front Street, and as
the business grew, the Vila family moved their operation to Callowhill
Street.
Stanley Thachrah purchased
the business from Joe Sala Vila, a descendant of Joseph Sabau, in
the 1950’s. He continued to
expand the business until 1969, at which time, he sold the company
to John C.H. Dempsey.
John brought 40 years of related experience from
CIBA GEIGY. He eventually incorporated the business and relocated it
to the Frankford section
of Philadelphia. His son, John C. Dempsey, later partnered with his
father to operate J.S. Vila Co. Inc. Several years later, John C. Dempsey
III, grandson of John C.H. joined the company.
In 1995, John C. Dempsey
III acquired the company from his father. John’s expertise in
the industry allowed him to expand into other markets. J.S. Vila continues
to specialize in dyes and auxilary’s
for textiles, while also being a major national distributor for the
dyes that go into paints, lubricants, plastics, adhesives, car care
products, water and tracers.
