‘You can’t bring in robots’: the leather firm handmaking everything from wallets to cigar cases
In the third article in a series on high-end British manufacturing, we visit the Ettinger factory in Walsall ‘Our town is making jeans again’: reviving jobs and skills in Wales From feathers to pet portraits, Rolls-Royce rides high on custom craze “It is all down to attention to detail and everything we do is based around that.” Gary Billingham is demonstrating how the 28 pieces which make up an…
In a series exploring high-end British manufacturing, a visit to Ettinger's factory in Walsall highlights the importance of handcrafted leather goods. Gary Billingham, an experienced worker at the factory, demonstrates the meticulous process of cutting leather for a wallet using a hydraulic press. Ettinger's factory, founded in 1890, is one of only a handful of remaining leather goods producers in the town.
Robert Ettinger, the company's CEO, insists that "you can't bring in robots" for their manufacturing process, emphasizing the importance of quality and attention to detail.
The company, established by Robert's father in 1934, primarily produces wallets but also offers a variety of other leather goods, such as pill containers, cigar cases, and dog-related accessories. These items can be personalized with initials, catering to a niche market between luxury brands and high street retailers. Ettinger's brand is well-known among high-profile clients, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, who hold royal warrants for their goods.
The leather industry in Walsall has a rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages when it was centered around saddle-making. However, it has since expanded to include various leather goods, including bags, gloves, and purses. Despite the decline in the number of leather goods manufacturers in the area, Walsall remains a prominent location for the craft, with a leather skills training center offering courses in bridle making.
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