Gmelich + Sons leather factory is a classic example of a small-to-medium-size family-owned business. They carry out each step of the process, beginning with the raw hide or skin and ending with finished leather. At present, they have nearly 120 employees.

The company was founded in 1923 in Grossbottwar, by merchant Otto Gmelich and his sons. Their initial production included of a range of leathers, such as heel and sole leathers for the shoe industry.

In 1949, production was completely converted to chrome tanned leather. Leather for the garment industry was included in their range and soon, sales included an increasing share of upholstery leather.

In 1990, a new dyeing facility and wastewater treatment plant was commissioned, along with a chromium recycling station in the beamhouse. The tannery was also relocated

from the city center to an industrial area. They now specialise in the production of high-grade furniture leather for renowned manufacturers of upholstered furniture in Germany, Europe and worldwide.