Woolskin machinery: a volatile but important industry niche

摘要

The processing of woolled sheepskin for double-face garment leather is a major specialisation in the international leather industry, which has now centred itself in certain countries such as Tuerkiye and Spain. Woolled sheepskins can be finished with the flesh side dyed and sueded, or pigmented and lacquered to give the classic "aviator" look. Woolled sheepskin is a superb thermal insulator, ensuring a steady demand in cold climates, but much of the industry is dependent upon the vagaries of fashion; the consequent lack of a firm, dependable market for tanners and dressers undoubtedly hinders investment in plant and machinery, and has led to machinery development somewhat lagging behind that in the whole-hide sector. The basic machinery range for woolskin production, therefore, has been largely unchanged for decades, and most units are single-operator machines of 1500mm working width or less; throughfeed designs are uncommon. Specialist machinery manufacturers for this sector have naturally tended to become established close to their biggest markets, in Spain, in Italy, and increasingly now in Tuerkiye.