Pittards strengthen African links

Pittards are forming a joint venture partnership with their suppliers in Ethiopia. They have worked for many years in close co-operation with suppliers of raw material throughout the African continent, most significantly in Ethiopia. As a result of discussions with key suppliers, the company have this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia Tannery Share Company with a view to forming a joint venture operation with a significant share holding in Ethiopia. Both Pittards and the Ethiopia Tannery Share Company are leaders in their core business areas and closer co-operation will complement existing businesses and ensure better management of the raw material supply chain. Ethiopia Tannery Share Company are a state owned enterprise that has been engaged in the processing of sheep, goatskins and cattle hides for the last 35 years. They employ around 900 people. Reg Hankey, managing director of Pittards UK glove leather division, said: 'We have a long history of co-operation with Ethiopia and with the Ethiopia Tannery Share Company and we are proud to take this significant step towards an even closer working relationship which will benefit both companies.' Both parties are committed to moving the partnership forward quickly in order to accelerate the benefits. In addition, Pittards have close commercial cooperation with privately owned tanneries Wallia and Dire.