SRL to exit garment leather business
23 June 2010Shanghai Richina Leather Co (SRL) announced on June 23 plans to cease ovine leather production operations effective Friday, September 3, 2010. The SRL garment division produces lambskin leather from New Zealand and North African pelts primarily for the US and European premium leather jacket market. The division employs 310 workers.
According to Bob Moore, Shanghai Richina’s CEO, ‘SRL’s focus today is on building and growing our auto, footwear and accessories leather businesses. These operating groups, to be vertically aligned with SRL’s new Fuxin wet-blue production facility, will allow us to more effectively expand and grow our bovine business volumes and profitability.’
Felix Lu, general manager of SRL’s ovine business added, ‘this was a difficult decision for us to make because of the heritage of Richina’s lambskin business, and our many loyal tannery workers and customers. We are confident that by shifting our focus, energy and assets to SRL’s bovine businesses, we will maximise our return on investment.’
Shanghai Richina Leather is headquartered in Shanghai, China and produces automotive, footwear, accessories and garment leather for global brands including Toyota, Citroen, Peugeot, Cole Haan, Johnston and Murphy, Merrell, Clarks, Born, HH Brown, Sperry Topsider, Wolverine, Coach and others.
