LEATHER TECHNOLOGY

The Indian leather industry is growing up very much by leaps and bounds. One must be very much wondering as how India in today’s Global Environment is exporting so much of leather to western countries. Apparently because leatherwear still enjoys a great demand abroad and nowadays even the domestic market is developing and consuming the offerings of this industry. To many, it would also be a surprise to know that the Indian Leather industry is the fourth largest export earner in the country. One can only imagine what shape this industry takes on further maturing. Leather technology in the recent times is fast emerging as a lucrative career option.

Until a few years ago, those who were here associated with the industry were there through experience rather than through any formal training. But now, in India, scores of institutes are offering certificate as well as diploma courses in designing as well as production, adding a much needed professionalism to this industry.




The demand of the leather goods is on the rise and is expected to grow further. With more and more multinationals coming to India, this industry is poised to become a hi-tech industry. Leatherwear constitutes a variety of products ranging from footwear and accessories like belts, bags, purses and caps to toys, upholstery, baggage, musical instruments, garment tags, gift items, etc. The largest sub-section of this industry is still footwear, despite growing competition from the materials like synthetics and fabric.At present, most of the people in this industry are not trained but now with this industry advancing and developing both technologically and professionally, it calls for qualified professionals to cater to the needs and requirements of the people.

Thinking of this industry as a career option, one can either take up designing or may get into the technical side that is production, depending upon the interest and aptitude. Both the options are rewarding. As far as designing is concerned, world over, designers have started using leather as an important part of their designer wear and accessories, which has made leather amongst the top apparel material. The other option being production is also not a bad proposition. On attaining requisite qualifications one can start working with leather manufacturing companies and tanneries. On gaining experience setting up self-owned production unit can also be given a thought. The initiative can be advantageous as it is a low cost-intensive small scale unit, requiring relatively small investment, cheap labour, raw material and minimal power supply.



Leather industry as such, does not ask for very special attributes but just like any other industry, to be a high achiever, commitment, dedication and hardwork are the key, the same goes true for this industry. If one happens to be in the production line, the work can be quite tiring, especially while working in the tanneries and production houses, often involving a lot of physical hardwork and strain. Designing sucessfully, on the other hand is more of a combination of mental ability and artistic finesse. Creativity with uniqueness can do wonders for designers.

So being creative and original is of utmost importance. They should combine well their mental ability to constantly think and come up with new ideas, with dexterity so as to give shape to their ideas.

• The leather industry is set to boom with bright career opportunities in both technical and designing areas. The Indian corporates along with foreign multinationals in the Leather industry have made it possible to look forward to exciting employment options. Earlier Indian exports included only raw materials, but now leather goods are fast catching up with increasing acceptance in the international markets. This has enhanced opportunities for designers.



• Designers are found to be working with footwear companies as technical designers and stylist designers. While technical designers train themselves in pattern making, cutting, designing, Stylist designers are responsible for updating the product in fashion and style. Designers are also employed by leather garment production houses and boutiques. Established designers also hire young designers to work under them.



• On gaining sufficient experience, one can also set up his own unit for production and marketing of leather based products. As far as career growth and progress is concerned it is purely performance based and there is no limit to what one can achieve.



• Job prospects are quite attractive for those who have excellent designing skills combined with mental ability and artistic finesse. Moreover, creativity with uniqueness adds value to the skills of the leather designer and he can reach out to clients with such skills. Coming up with fresh ideas, concepts and designs are some key characteristics required in a leather designer. The Indian leather industry is growing at a fast pace and can accommodate any number of professionals.



• India is a leading exporter of leather and leather products and numerous export houses employ technical and non-technical persons. Leather technologists with their creative ideas and dexterity convert ideas in form and can bag attractive jobs in leather companies. As new multinationals are coming to India the leather industry is poised to become a hi-tech industry and those who are qualified in leather technology would get preference over the rest.



• Jobs ranging from designing footwear and accessories like belts, bags, purses and caps to toys, upholstery, baggage, musical instruments, garment tags, gift items, etc are umpteen in various export houses. Leather technologists today can get jobs in chemical and engineering industries involved in the manufacturing of items such as bags, suitcases, upholstery, footballs and cricket balls, car and aircraft seats, hydraulic seals, gaskets, etc.

Leather Technology Arkay Leathers (P) Ltd – Manufacturer, exporter, trader of finished leather and leather garments. Butterfly Leathers – is an export oriented suede manufacturer and exporter of goat shoe suede, goat heel grip, etc. Iyagri Chamois – An export oriented firm which is known for producing Chamois Leather. KAR Group – Produces finished leather, uppers and finished shoes, etc. Leather Crafts (India) P Ltd – An export oriented leather manufacturing unit being a partner with a German firm. Leather Hunte Pvt Ltd – Producing quality leather products, the firm is a leading exporter of leather accessories. M Bilal Husain and Co – Trader and exporter of quality leather product for three decades. Marson Leather House – involves in the manufacturing and exports finished leather, leather fashion garments, leather accessories, leather safety equipments, etc. Prag International – is mainly the manufacturer and exporter of premium quality finished leather, leather bags, leather brief cases, leather wallets, leather jackets, gloves, belts, etc.

As most of the jobs in the private sector, pay is generally high. With Multinationals setting up their bases in India, this industry is no longer confined to small scale and financial returns can be quite satisfactory. Fresh recruits can expect a starting pay package between Rs. 5000 - 10000 p.m., depending upon the individuals qualifications and the size of the organisation. For freelancers and those self-employed in their own units returns are not fixed. It varies from one another based on individual performance.

Compensation packages in every leather industry are highly dependent upon the skills. Most of the companies are in private sector, therefore, the companies pay according to their comfort and availability of human resource or the game of supply and demand. In today's global economy the multinational companies pay attractive salaries, small companies are frugal. However, situation is expected to change down the years as multinationals are setting up their bases in India. A young leather technologist can expect a starting pay package of Rs 10,000 per month.