Tannery to close as Prime and Cudahy merge
Following the merger between Prime Tanning and Irving Tanning Company in August, Prime has now announced the signing of a definitive agreement to merge with specialist high tech leather manufacturer for the show, saddle, accessory and sporting goods markets Cudahy Tanning Company.
Although, according to Prime, the merger will create “the largest premium leather producer in North America”, with revenues in excess of $250 million, it will also lead to the closure of Cudahy’s finishing facility in Wisconsin which currently produces 8.5 million feet of finished side leather per year and employs approximately 100 staff. This production will be transferred to Prime's Hartland facility, (formerly Irving Tanning).
Commenting on the deal, Cudahy's CEO BJ Law said: "This is both an exciting opportunity and a difficult personal decision for me. My family has been producing leather in Cudahy, WI for over 60 years. The closing of this facility will end a very important chapter in our family's history. However, the opportunities that lie before us with this merger are countless. Cudahy Tanning will add significant competencies, marketing opportunities, and technical resources to Prime. The Irving and Prime facilities are truly world class operations, and by working together, will eliminate many of the challenges we currently face in the domestic tanning industry."
