How Horween Makes the World’s Best Leather | Full Factory Tour

Phil Kalas (Ashland Leather, ex-Horween Leather) offers a detailed look inside the Horween Leather tannery in Chicago, which has been operating since 1905. The tour follows the linear process of leather production, highlighting key stages and equipment. https://ashlandleather.com/ The video covers: Initial Processing: The tour begins in the hide house, where hides are received, salted, and cropped [01:08]. The initial chemical removal of hair and salt is also shown [02:19]. Tanning Processes: Detailed explanations of both chrome tanning, which uses chromium salts for strength and heat resistance [04:31], and vegetable tanning, which uses natural tannins from tree barks like quebracho [05:39]. Post-Tanning and Finishing: The process continues with sorting, splitting, and retanning to replenish oils and add color [14:51]. Various drying methods, including toggling and tacking [30:39], are highlighted, followed by shaving [34:32], setting [40:00], fat liquoring [40:16], and softening with the staking machine [50:08]. The tour concludes with the rolling [54:00] and finishing departments [56:09].