German leathermakers elect new officers
The German Leather Federation (Verband der Deutschen Lederindustrie e.V [VDL]) has elected Mr Thomas Strebost as its new president. Replacing Mr Maximilian Räuchle, Mr Strebost is the fourth generation family owner of the automotive and furniture leather producer, Heller-Leder, of Hehlen near Hanover. He will serve for three years in the post.
Mr Strebost was appointed at the VDL Annual Assembly, held Trier on May 7, at which Mr Christoph Breuninger of Hammann Leder (Mülheim) and Maximilian Räucle were also elected vice presidents.
In his address, Mr Räuchle highlighted the ongoing efforts being made by the industry to strengthen its international competitiveness with environmental and consumer-friendly products. Due to some closures and the moderate rises seen in hide prices, industry turnover slowed by 9% to 573 million € in 2003, he said. However, it still provided employment for over 3000 workers. The industry’s main export main markets outside the EU were identified as being Eastern Europe, the US and Far East, with export markets accounting for 45% of its output. And while automotive and furnituremaking would continue to provide the main markets for German leather, it was important that others such as leathergoods including belts and garments, as well as saddlery, should not be overlooked.
Following the meeting, delegates were taken on a tour of the traditional veg sole leather tannery in Trier, owned by outgoing vice president, Mr Johann Rendenbach.
