France's Last Independent Tannery Closes Its Doors After A Century of Craftsmanship
Tanneries Pechdo, one of France's last independent tanneries and a significant industrial emblem of the Aveyron region, has been officially declared in court-ordered liquidation by the Rodez Commercial Court. This somber ruling, issued on November 3, unfortunately leads to the loss of 33 jobs and marks the end of a long-standing industrial legacy.
The liquidation follows a lengthy safeguard procedure that commenced on December 11, 2024. The 5,000-square-meter industrial facility, located in Aveyron's Plaine Coste area, had been operational since 1900 and was recognized for its heritage and craftsmanship with the prestigious Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label a decade ago.
Caroline Krug, the company's manager, shared with FashionNetwork that the closure comes despite a full order book. She explained that after two challenging years, the company had successfully rebounded, reaching €3 million in revenue. However, a critical turning point occurred in mid-June with a fire caused by the explosion of a new dust collector, which halted production for three weeks and, for the first time in its history, resulted in missed payments.
Krug, who co-managed the company from 2013 before acquiring full ownership in 2017, had dedicated Tanneries Pechdo to fully integrated production. This process covered everything from sourcing French raw hides to delivering finished products. The tannery had carved out a niche in specialized technical leathers, particularly for personal protective equipment (PPE) used by law enforcement, firefighters, and other professionals.
Despite her persistent efforts to secure a partner for the company's growth and development, Krug's search proved unsuccessful. She candidly conceded her belief that "the future of tanneries in France is in the hands of the largest groups," highlighting the challenges faced by independent industrialists in the sector.
On the public sector front, Krug recounted numerous meetings over the past year with ministers, generals, and legislators, aiming to secure a government order for the army through one of her clients. Ultimately, her hopes were dashed, leading her to lament that future military equipment would no longer feature French leather.
The announcement of the liquidation prompted a wave of support across the industry, with many expressing outrage and posting messages on social media. However, this response left Caroline Krug with a sense of bitterness, as she pointed out that many who expressed sympathy had not purchased a single square meter of leather from the tannery for a considerable time, underscoring that "ultimately, a business runs on orders."
Currently, Caroline Krug is prioritizing her attention on the 33 employees, some of whom have dedicated 40 years to the tannery. Beyond her staff, she expressed serious concern for the company's customers, noting that some are "at serious risk of closing because, without Pechdo, they no longer have their supply." She also underscored the significant blow to Millau's industrial heritage, reflecting, "It's quite a story, but you can't just stay in history: you have to be able to carry it into the future."
