The Howes Leather Co. of Curwinsville, Pennsylvania, has announced that it will be ending production of vegetable tanned sole leather soon, and that Westan of Westfield, PA, has acquired Howes’ customer list. This move makes Westan the only sole leather tanner left in the U.S. It should be noted that neither tannery was up to capacity.

For Westan, this will increase the company’s soak so that production will be near capacity.  It was announced by Westan that there have been some executive changes in the company. Jim McInnis will remain as chairman of the company and serve as interim president following the departure of Kim Yaeger, who had been president.

It was also announced that Dave Schall and Dave Murdock have left the company to form their own venture. No successors have been named at this time.

Jim Weiskel is now the chief operating officer.

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