Seidel, based in Milwaukee, WI, has been a staple in the leather business for over 75 years. They mix old-school craftsmanship with modern techniques, focusing on quality, sustainable practices, and keeping things local.
Table of Contents
Key Points
Seidel Tanning Corp. is all about sourcing hides domestically, ensuring their leather products are high quality and sustainable.
As a fourth-generation family-owned business, Seidel Tanning is committed to customer service and quality and has adapted to market changes over the years.
The tannery uses innovative techniques while adhering to environmental rules and demonstrating environmental responsibility, ensuring that its leather production is both top-notch and eco-friendly.
Who are Seidel Tanning Corp?
Seidel Tanning Corp., based in Milwaukee, WI, is a big name in the leather business. Pronounced "Sigh-dell," this tannery has become synonymous with high-quality leather production over its 79 years of operation.
As one of the largest producers of premium leather in the U.S., Seidel Tanning stands out for its dedication to excellence and sustainability.
What makes Seidel Tanning different is its commitment to sourcing all hides domestically.
By doing so, they support local industries and ensure traceability while guaranteeing the highest quality materials. This approach reflects their broader commitment to responsible and ethical business practices, bolstered by their Environmental Management System to monitor and continuously improve operations for environmentally responsible tanning.
Seidel Tanning's personalized approach sets them apart in the industry. They offer a wide range of leather types, colors, and finishes tailored to meet customer-specific requirements, embodying their dedication to making leather to exact specifications.
In a 2021 interview, Frederick "Fritz" Seidel Jr., the company's fourth-generation leader, emphasized the importance of innovation alongside tradition: "We are proud to put our stamp of approval on every one of our leathers and are sure that you will be satisfied with the results."
For a visual insight into Seidel Tanning's operations and legacy, watch this video:
A Family-Owned Legacy
Founded in 1945 by Irwin Seidel in Milwaukee, Seidel Tanning Corp. has a rich history rooted in family values and dedication to quality. This family-owned business has been passed down through four generations, each contributing to its growth and success through exceptional craftsmanship.
The current torchbearer, Fritz Seidel Jr., has been actively involved since high school, embodying the family's long-standing commitment to the leather industry.
Over the years, Seidel Tanning has built a proud legacy of producing high-quality leather, consistently meeting its customers' evolving needs. This commitment to excellence has been a driving force behind its longevity and success in a competitive market.
The personal touch of a family-owned business ensures that customer service is always a top priority, with each generation maintaining the values and standards set by their predecessors.
Seidel Tanning's fourth-generation status is a testament to its enduring dedication and passion for the leather industry. This legacy honors its past and lays a strong foundation for future generations to continue the tradition of quality and innovation.
Specialty Tanners and Techniques
In the 1990s, as many local tanneries closed, Seidel Tanning Corp. seized the opportunity to specialize in high-quality leather production. Their approach seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, creating durable and aesthetically pleasing leathers.
Seidel employs a variety of tanning methods, including chrome and vegetable tanning. These processes use vegetable extracts, dyes, fat liquors, and waxes in their tanning baths, producing leather that is visually striking but also robust and long-lasting. Depending on the type of leather being crafted, production time can range from 8 to 24 hours.
Quality control is a cornerstone of Seidel’s operations. Each leather side undergoes meticulous examination to ensure it meets customer specifications, leaving no detail overlooked. This rigorous quality assurance guarantees that every piece of leather Seidel Tanning produces is of the highest quality and ready to be transformed into exceptional products.
Seidel's Unique Approach
As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, Seidel has cultivated a deep understanding of the importance of producing high-quality leather tailored to its clients' needs. With over 75 years of experience, Seidel has refined its craft to deliver exceptional, durable, and visually appealing leathers.
The company's commitment to excellence is evident in every step of the tanning process, from selecting the finest raw materials to the careful attention to detail in every finished product. This dedication to quality goes beyond the final product and extends to the entire journey.
Seidel meticulously sources hide domestically, ensuring that each piece of leather is crafted with the utmost care and precision. This practice supports local industries and guarantees traceability while reducing the environmental footprint associated with long-distance transportation.
Their blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques produces leathers that stand the test of time, both in durability and style. This distinctive approach has solidified Seidel's reputation as a leader in the leather industry, trusted by clients who demand nothing but the best.
Product Range, Customization, and Partnerships
Seidel Tanning specializes in crafting full-grain leather, celebrated for its unmatched strength and ability to develop a rich patina over time. Their product development is driven by a focus on customization, ensuring that every piece of leather meets the unique demands of their clients.
The company's diverse portfolio includes collaborations with leading bootmakers such as Nicks Boots, Whites Boots, and Oak Street Bootmakers. These partnerships highlight Seidel's ability to create leathers that align with the craftsmanship and performance standards of these renowned brands:
Whites Boots: Uses Seidel's rugged, full-grain leather, prized for its resilience in challenging environments.
Nicks Boots: Relies on Seidel's leather for its balance of durability and aesthetic appeal.
Oak Street Bootmakers: Sources Seidel's leather for its traditional aesthetic and modern performance.
In 2022, Seidel partnered with Popov Leather to develop a bespoke leather range. This collaboration showcased Seidel’s expertise in customization, offering combination-tanned leathers that met Popov’s exacting standards and unique design needs.
Customization lies at the heart of Seidel’s operations. Working closely with their customers, they craft leathers ideally suited for each intended use, whether rugged boots, premium wallets, or other high-end goods. This customer-centric approach adds unparalleled value, making Seidel the go-to tannery for customizable leather solutions.
Through these strategic collaborations and a dedication to tailoring products to customer needs, Seidel Tanning continues to lead the leather industry, offering high-quality, enduring materials that reflect their commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
Is it Environmentally Safe?
Environmental responsibility is a priority for Seidel Tanning Corp., reflected in their adherence to stringent EPA regulations and commitment to maintaining safe working conditions.
The company voluntarily participates in industry audits, assessing critical areas like water and energy usage, traceability, and effluent treatment processes.
Their chrome tanning process is carefully managed to minimize environmental risks, ensuring that it is carried out in a safe and sustainable manner. Seidel’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint extends to investing in advanced filtration systems that effectively manage wastewater.
All treated water meets or exceeds regulatory standards before being released back into the environment.
Seidel’s efforts also focus on sourcing hides domestically. This practice not only supports local industries but significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with the long-distance transportation of raw materials.
By continuously improving waste stream management and implementing eco-friendly practices, Seidel Tanning demonstrates that high-quality, full-grain leather production can go hand-in-hand with sustainability. Their comprehensive approach positions them as a leader in environmentally conscious leather manufacturing, meeting the needs of today’s clients while safeguarding resources for future generations.
What Seidel Leather Does Popov Use?
Our leather undergoes a combination tanning process, which integrates the strengths of chrome and vegetable tanning. This method begins with a chrome-tanned base, which provides flexibility and resilience, and is followed by a high vegetable re-tan using 25% vegetable extracts.
This re-tanning imparts additional structure and a rich character to the leather, resulting in a material that combines the softness of chrome tanning with the durability and patina potential of vegetable tanning.
The leather is hot and stuffed with premium greases, enhancing its flexibility, water resistance, and longevity. This traditional technique infuses the leather with oils and waxes, contributing to its distinctive feel and durability.
Finally, our leather receives an aniline finish, preserving its natural grain and showcasing its inherent beauty. This finishing process uses soluble dyes that penetrate the leather without covering its surface, allowing the natural texture and markings to remain visible.
The result is a rich, natural appearance that develops a unique patina over time.
By partnering with Seidel Tanning Corp., we ensure that the products are made from leather that exemplifies quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
This meticulous tanning process aligns with our commitment to providing exceptional leather goods to our customers.
Now You Know
Seidel Tanning Corp. shines as a beacon of quality, innovation, and sustainability in the leather industry. From its rich family-owned legacy to its cutting-edge tanning techniques, Seidel Tanning consistently delivers high-quality leather products tailored to customer needs.
Their extensive product range, numerous collaborations, and unwavering commitment to quality and timely delivery make them stand out for buyers seeking premium leather.
Seidel Tanning’s dedication to environmentally safe practices further enhances its reputation as a responsible and ethical business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Seidel Tanning Corp. located?
How long has Seidel Tanning been in business?
What types of tanning techniques does Seidel Tanning use?
How does Seidel Tanning ensure the quality of its leather?
Seidel Tanning ensures the quality of its leather by employing rigorous quality control measures and meticulously examining each side to meet customer specifications. This detailed scrutiny guarantees that the final product meets high standards.
What environmental practices does Seidel Tanning follow?
Seidel Tanning follows strict EPA regulations, submits to industry audits, and actively improves their waste management practices, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
Article by Ryan Popoff
Ryan Popoff has been the creative mind behind Popov Leather wallets, belts, watch bands, and journals since 2013. With a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, my leatherworking journey began at home. I wanted to create a simple leather wallet that could fit into my front pocket, and — to my delight — it was a hit with family and friends. Hopefully, you love our honest, quality leather goods, too! Reach out with questions.
