History

1849

Was the year in which the tannery of
Heintze & Freudenberg was founded.

Almost immediately international business began with the USA, Great Britain, France and China.

With 500 employees, within only 30 years, Heintze & Freudenberg had developed into the largest tannery in Germany. Patent leather was the key to success.

1855

Patent production represented more than 80% of the total output.

1874

Following the death of Leopold, Carl Johann Freudenberg became the sole proprietor. The tannery was renamed Carl Freudenberg.

1887

At this point both Friedrich Carl and Hermann Ernst, sons of the firm's founders, were working in the company.

Saw the first trial of the chrome process, developed by Hermann E. Freudenberg.

1900

Chrome salts or mixtures now replaced the existing vegetable agents. This reduced the length of the tanning process from many months to only a few weeks.

The resulting leather was of high quality, water repellent, low maintenance and presented a smooth and even surface. Following the introduction of chrome tanning, Freudenberg became the largest tanner in Europe.

Today

In January 2003, Weinheimer Leder emerged from the Freudenberg Group as an independent company, proudly looking back on a 150 year old history of manufacturing leather.

Our famous Box Calf, manufactured in more than 80 working steps from the highest quality calf skins, is appreciated and used by many of the world's leading producers of luxury shoes and leathergoods.

1849

Was the year in which the tannery of Heintze & Freudenberg was founded.

Almost immediately international businaess began with the USA, Great Britain, France and China.

With 500 employees, within only 30 years, Heintze & Freudenberg had developed into the largest tannery in Germany. Patent leather was the key to success.

1855

Patent production represented more then 80% of the total output.

1874

Following the death of Leopold, Carl Johann Freudenberg became the sole proprietor. The tannery was renamed Carl Freudenberg.

1887

At this point both Friedrich Carl and Hermann Ernst, sons of the firm’s founders, were working in the company.

Saw the first trial of the chrome process, developed by Hermann e. Freudenberg.

1900

Chrome salts or mixtures now replaced the existing vegetable agents. This reduced the length of the tanning process from many months to only a few weeks.

The resulting leather was of high quality, water repellent, low maintenance and presented a smooth and even surface. Following the introduction of chrome tanning, Freudenberg became the largest tanner in Europe.

Today

In January 2003, Weinheimer Leder emerged from the Freudenberg Group as an independant company, proudly looking back on a 150 year old history of manufacturing leather.

Our famous Box Calf, manufactured in more than 80 working steps from the highest quality calf skins, is appreciated and used by many of the world’s leading producers of luxury shoes and leathergoods.