BLC has appointed a new diagnostic services manager, Gert Kruger. Mr Kruger initially moved to the UK from South Africa in 2000 to take a degree in leather technology at the British School of Leather Technology. After completing his studies he joined Pittards plc in Leeds, where he was employed for two-and-a-half years working in the technical, new product development and production departments.

Mr Kruger will work in the Technical Services Department and will be responsible for problem solving concerning technical issues on leather within the production environment and finished products.

BLC has recently invested in a new Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) for use in its Diagnostic Services section, a widely used technique for the analysis of organic compounds. Combined with ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance) it provides a powerful mechanism for evaluating the surfaces of samples.

This new investment expands BLC’s problem solving potential. Applications include determining the composition of resins, fats, oils, adhesives and other organic compounds added to leather, (whether intentionally or otherwise). One particular application is the ability to identify the cause of spues on leather and leather products.