Prime and Irving merge

Their combined client list includes leading footwear and accessory brands such as Timberland and Wolverine, as well as the US military.

The new company, which will be called Prime Tanning Co, will have a total capacity of up to 60 million feet of finished leather each year and generate revenue in excess of $225 million.

Established in 1925, Irving, one of the US’ largest side-leather tanneries, employ about 115 people at its facility in Hartland, Maine. Prime, who operate their own wet-blue tannery in St. Joseph, Missouri, employ 450 people. While Irving currently buy in wet-blue, the merger will allow the new company to perform the entire leather making process in-house, from flaying to finished, saving time and money as well as giving the company greater control over the process.

According to Bob Moore, Prime's chief executive officer: ‘Together, we have enormous potential to improve the standing of US-based leather tanneries on the global stage.’

Bob Moore will serve as the new company's president and chief executive officer. Mike and Steve Kaplan of Prime, grandsons of Morris Kaplan, who founded the business in 1914, will be co-chairmen and Paul Larochelle will become executive vice president overseeing international operations.

According to Paul Larochelle; ‘There is longer term financial stability in a larger company.’ Irving's current ceo Dick Larochelle added: ‘This is a logical step for our two companies. We are excited to merge our unique competencies with Prime's, while also creating a strong and viable partner to our customers, suppliers and employees. Together, we have enormous potential to improve the standing of US-based leather tanneries on the global stage.’

Irving have already launched a joint venture with Bhartiya International, to finish leather in India and have taken the initial steps toward moving into Vietnam and China.

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