Tough times for Vitapelli
3 December 2010Footwear and upholstery leather makers, Vitapelli have announced that they are laying off around 800 workers from their tannery and finishing plant in President Prudente (558 km from São Paulo). The company, which also produces pet products, is looking to reduce their count down from the current level of approximately 2200 to around 1400-1500.
Founded by Brazilian businessman, Nilson Riga Vitale, as recently as 2000 the company grew rapidly over the past decade to become of Brazil’s major exporting leather makers. The company blame the recent economic recession of 2008/09, the high value of the Brazilian real. According to sources the company have been fighting serious financial problems for some time.
Vitapelli also claim that they are owed significant revenue from the federal government and the state government of São Paulo in tax refunds.
Vitapelli have one of the largest tannery’s in the world by size and produce wet-blue and crust. Leathers are finished a separate plant located nearby in President Prudente.
