Why Handcrafted Leather Remains a Staple of British Luxury Manufacturing

The Resilience of Handmade Production

In the West Midlands town of Walsall, a historic hub for leatherworking, the Ettinger factory stands as a testament to the endurance of traditional craftsmanship. Unlike mass-market luxury goods often produced via automation, the items manufactured at this site—ranging from wallets and cigar cases to specialized dog accessories—are primarily crafted by hand. According to CEO Robert Ettinger, the intricacies of working with natural hides mean that human precision is essential. "You can’t bring in robots," he notes, emphasizing that every piece undergoes a detailed process of cutting, thinning, gluing, and hand-stitching.

Historical Context and Industry Decline

Walsall has been synonymous with the leather trade since the Middle Ages, initially flourishing through the production of saddles and military equipment. By the 1970s, the town remained a powerhouse, hosting approximately 50 leather goods manufacturers. However, the industry has seen a precipitous decline over the last three decades, with national employment in the sector dropping from roughly 37,000 to 7,000 workers. Today, only a handful of factories remain in Walsall, with Ettinger operating as a small-scale, expert team of approximately 20 employees.

The Challenge of Workforce Development

Despite a recent uptick in interest from younger demographics who favor long-lasting, sustainable products over "fast fashion" alternatives, the company faces a significant challenge: the difficulty of recruiting new talent. Skilled leatherworkers are increasingly scarce, and veterans in the trade observe that there is no formal national equivalent to the structured European apprenticeship systems, such as the German 'Meister' program. This makes it difficult to train the next generation of artisans, a hurdle that current employees believe is essential to overcome to ensure the future of British manufacturing.

Market Position and Consumer Impact

Ettinger maintains a niche position in the luxury market. While big-name luxury labels often command prices in the thousands for handbags, the company markets itself as 'affordable luxury,' positioning its items as durable, multi-decade investments. Their commitment to keeping production in the UK, rather than outsourcing to regions with lower labor costs, has shielded the brand from the intense price competition of mass-produced goods, with recent growth in online and domestic sales suggesting a steady demand for high-quality, heritage-focused craft.

Further Reading

For more details on the manufacturing process and the heritage of British leatherwork, readers can view the full report at the source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/oct/25/ettinger-leather-handmaking-wallets-cigar-cases-walsall