The leather industry may be regarded as a bridge between production of the hide or skin as a by-product of the food industry and its manufacture into shoes, apparel, upholstery and other finished products for which it provides a basic raw material.

As one of the oldest materials used by man leather is an extraordinary example of a product that has enjoyed universal appeal throughout the ages.

Processes for converting hides or skins into finished leather are a unique combination of old and new.  The 20^th century tanner employs processes that are highly specialized, yet which have evolved from rich traditions.

Through the proper dovetailing of many chemical and mechanical operations a raw degradable commodity is transformed into a product of beauty, prestige, luxury and durability, which transmits its tremendous intrinsic value to the goods that are made from it.

Although the tanning process is specialized to the raw product, the end product and the intended market, there are essential operations that are common to the majority of commercial tanners.