Tanners are trying to remember what the industry was like 20 years ago. At that time, there were large numbers of tanners in the US, and they were listening to motivational speakers. They were urging the tanners to globalise. Unfortunately, most of them had little idea what globalisation was, but nevertheless a few tried it. Today the industry has changed tremendously - and globalisation is not the word they are thinking about. It's survival. Prime Tanning Co. of Rochester, NH, was big in the orient as partners with Pou Chen. But the partnership didn't last and Prime was fortunate to survive in the US. Irving Tanning Co. of Hartland, ME, was another major US tanner to try an Asian adventure, and was fortunate to keep its US facility in operation. More changes are facing the US industry currently, as Howes Leather Co. of Curwinsville, PA, have announced a major change in its production. The company is in the process of phasing out its vegetable tanned sole leather business. Westan (formerly Westfield Tanning Co.) of Westfield, PA, is taking over the customers and production from Howes, leaving it the only major sole leather tanner in the US. In recent weeks, H&J Leather Finishers Inc. has reportedly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to avoid being evicted from its premises.
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