A SCOTTISH leather and suede tannery founded more than 60 years ago, that supplies material for dance shoes worn by performers in the TV show Strictly Come Dancing, has invested a seven figure sum in machinery.
Clyde Leather in Neilston in East Renfrewshire was established by Walter Bevan Harris in 1955 and supplies leather to a range of clients including New Balance UK and Charlotte Elizabeth, which manufactures high-end handbags for clients such as Meghan Markel, now the Duchess of Sussex.
The investment, of an undisclosed sum, is to increase capacity to meet customer demand. The firm also recently secured a grant from East Renfrewshire Council’s Growth Company Development Fund to help with the purchase of a new £100,000 dyeing drum from Italy.
Now in its third generation and run by the founder’s grandson Richard Harris, Clyde Leather produces around 40,000 square feet of bespoke, high quality leather and suede a week for customers across the UK and abroad.
With support from Business Gateway, East Renfrewshire, the company which employs 30 people and is the only known UK manufacturer of pigmented leathers, is now looking to continue its expansion and increase its portfolio.
Richard Harris, a leather chemist and Clyde Leather managing director, said: “The British leather industry declined significantly in the 1990’s but through hard work, innovation, diversification and creating a consistent quality produce we have not only survived but have grown since then. We have invested extensively in machinery and our people infrastructure which has allowed us to remain at the forefront of the industry.”
He added that while the company was growing it was not doing so strategically until it got support from Business Gateway which has helped it development marketing plans to target a global market. Currently 90% of its business is in the UK.
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