Strong and beautiful Wollsdorf

STRONG AND BEAUTIFUL

One of the world’s leading producers of high quality leather for commercial applications, Wollsdorf Leather is proud to stay one step ahead of sustainable environmental demands. Emma-Jane Batey spoke to CEO Andreas Kindermann to learn more about how the company continues to move forward.

Austrian-based high quality leather manufacturer and supplier Wollsdorf Leather has a strong global presence and an ongoing commitment to exceeding the environmental regulations of both the European tannery industry and the sectors in which it operates. Its broad product portfolio is centred on delivering leather of exceptional quality to leading customers in the automotive, aircraft, marine, garment and upholstery sectors.

CEO Andreas Kindermann told Industry Europe how Wollsdorf Leather’s focus on quality underpins every area of the business. He said, “We truly understand that beautiful, hard-wearing leather adds value to our customers products so it is imperative that we maintain our market-leading position as a reliable partner in leather production to a range of high-end industries. Our exceptional technical capabilities in the field of leather production, as well as cutting, dyeing and stitching, ensures that our customers can continue to rely on Wollsdorf Leather as their partner in production. The use of leather in cars, boats and planes truly adds a premium beauty that end users appreciate, so we are pleased to play an important role in that aspect of our customers’ business.” Global footprint

With two production sites in Austria and a worldwide network of sales representatives, Wollsdorf Leather has the foundation to meet the needs of its customers quickly and effectively. The company exports more than 90 per cent of its production, and is active in more than 30 countries. This strong global presence is a key element in its ongoing success. Mr Kindermann explained, “We are present and active in the geographical areas that are important to our customers and their sectors. In addition to our two longestablished production sites in Austria, we have recently started production in China,

where we have invested heavily in a cutand-sew facility. By keeping key elements of the production in Austria and strategically using this new facility, it will enable us to maintain our well-deserved reputation for excellent quality leather while utilising both the location and the low-cost benefits of this exciting region.”

The product areas in which Wollsdorf Leather are active are enjoying solid growth. The company’s product portfolio is both dedicated to traditional quality and futurefocused innovation. With regards to the automotive industry, Wollsdorf Leather’s recent launch of a new steering wheel leather has been well-received. The market leader in this sector, it has recently launched a hard-wearing product that is available in various colours and can be adapted to suit the demands of the customer. Indeed, all Wollsdorf Leather’s products can be customised to suit, including lamination, perforation and deep-embossing as required.

The company has also recently launched an all-weather leather than is ideally suited to upholstered furniture for outdoor use. Able to be left outside in all weathers except for the coldest winters, this leather has been greeted with approval by luxury garden furniture manufacturers.

Greener than ever

Mr Kindermann was keen to highlight the fact that Wollsdorf Leather has recently added to its long list of environmental accreditations, taking its quality-focused production to above-market standards. He said, “We have always been committed to working to the strictest environmental standards, so we are particularly pleased to note that in the last year we have passed a number of environmental audits for our production sites. Firstly, we can state that our carbon dioxide emissions are considerably lower than accepted industry levels, having passed the audit by the German tannery board. Secondly, the famous German ‘Blue Angel’ quality audit has confirmed that Wollsdorf Leather products do not contain any elements which are hazardous to people. Our leather looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside!”

Innovation is important to Wollsdorf Leather. In the industries in which it operates, there is a demand for reliable, hard-wearing leather products that add value to the clients’ offer. Mr Kindermann added, “We are continually looking to develop innovative products that suit the ever-changing demands of our customers in all industry sectors. We know that the added value of leather can be taken even further with the right development and fresh thinking. By working closely with our customers and talking with them in detail, we are at the forefront of technical and design-led innovation for leather.”

Wollsdorf Leather’s future plans are clearly defined. The company aims to maintain its market-leading position in the automotive industry, supported by its recent launch of a new steering wheel leather, and to increase its position in the global aircraft industry. Wollsdorf Leather also predicts it will boost its presence in the office furniture and upholstery sectors. Furthermore, with the successful opening of its cut-and-sew facility in China, Wollsdorf Leather plans to see continued cost-effective results across its portfolio. n

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