NTE celebrates centenary in Milan
As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, wattle specialist NTE held a centenary dinner on the sidelines of the leather fairs in Milan this week, with tanners and clients meeting in the Piazza del Duomo, overlooking the city’s famous cathedral.
The South African company, which is one the biggest suppliers of wattle extract for vegetable tanning, is organising events throughout the year to mark the milestone.
Managing director Harald Niebuhr told guests that it would be increasing its investments in research and development this year. He added: “The tanning industry is extremely important for this company, the growers and the people who work at NTE. You play a massive role in their lives.
“Our country’s unemployment rate is 29%, so employing people in rural areas, like NTE does, is crucial for the social and economic development of the country.”
The first Acacia Mearnsii (black wattle) seeds were imported to South Africa in the 1850s from Australia. Early experiments revealed tannins within the bark at comparable levels to the quebracho tree. In 1864, the first plantation was set up by a settler named John Vanderplank, who had carried seeds over from Australia in a matchbox.
“There was a spirit of determination in those early pioneers that has shaped the values of NTE, which is still very much alive today,” said the company. “The drive to shift and adapt, continually improve and become more efficient shines through.”
