Having worked in close co-operation with suppliers of raw material throughout the African continent - most significantly in Ethiopia - for many years, British leather manufacturer, Pittards, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ethiopia Tannery Share Company with a view to forming a joint venture operation with a significant share holding in Ethiopia.

It is envisaged that closer co-operation will complement existing businesses and ensure better management of the raw material supply chain. Ethiopia Tannery Share Company is a state-owned enterprise that has been engaged in the processing of sheep, goatskins and cattle hides for the last 35 years. It employs around 900 people.

Reg Hankey, managing director of Pittards UK glove leather division, said: “We have a long history of co-operation with Ethiopia and with the Ethiopia Tannery Share Company and we are proud to take this significant step towards an even closer working relationship which will benefit both companies.”

Both parties are committed to moving the partnership forward quickly in order to accelerate the benefits not only in the raw material supply chain but also within areas of management, marketing and human resources.

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