They promptly reached and were recognized as the top leader Exporters of Raw Sheepskin from Argentina to the world, for the next 25 years, totalizing exports for some 1,000,000 Tons of hides per year. During the 1970’s, Argentina’s Government imposed an Add-on Value policy, limiting exports of raw sheepskins. Dave & Rolly then decided to experience into the totally unknown to them sheepskin tanning business in order to keep on working hard at their leading exports reputation.
The now totally processed sheepskins were transformed into finished goods through manufacturing. An old tannery was purchased in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Finished products included Sheepskin Car Seat Covers, Garments and Slippers, exported now to the German and the newly discovered US market.
My older brother, Rick, then came into the picture adding his young will to learn, exploring the technical field of the tanning process together with my American born cousin, Eric. I was 18 years old when I started my “family” career by sweeping the tannery’s chemical warehouse area. In a short time period I found myself managing 60 employees and a production of 1000 tanned sheepskins a day.
Una tradición familiar
Following my Grandpa´s adventure steps, after 8 years of tannery experience, I decided to emigrate from Argentina to the US, in order to develop and expand our customer base, in the biggest market in the world. I experienced the Import-Wholesale and Distribution area of the sheepskin market in the US from 1986 through 1999.
- Guillermo “Bill” Huisman CEO for South American Hides and Leather, Inc.