Leather produced by the group companies features in some of the world's most iconic and prestigious cars, planes, trains, ships and buildings

Scottish Leather Group is a privately owned group of leather manufacturing companies based in three locations in the west of Scotland. Formed in 1965, the Group comprises Bridge of Weir Leather Company Ltd, Andrew Muirhead & Son Ltd, W. J & W. Lang Ltd, NCT Leather Ltd and SLG Technology Ltd. They are the largest manufacturer of bovine leather in Europe, employing over 500 people, with a turnover of £65 million, 83% of which is exported to over 30 countries.

Self generated energy

SLG Technology Ltd was established, providing separate non-leather making activities to the Group companies, moving the manufacturing process to a technology-driven enterprise with their own manufacturing IP.

A £6 million thermal energy plant - a world first for the leather industry

SLG has been working to develop their ‘green’ credentials, sustainability strategies and reduce carbon emissions. SLG Technology was set up to address this in a proper and sustained manner, unlike some competitors who make wild claims that they are unable to back up. Completed at the end of 2009 and complying with accredited quality management systems, the team at SLG Technology designed and built a £6 million Thermal Energy Plant (TEP). Converting process waste into energy, the vertically integrated structure allows the manufacture of Low Carbon Leather.

The TEP Plant can process up to 100 tonnes of waste a day

The plant process will take waste from the subsidiaries and turn it into heat and steam which the factory needs for drying leather and heating water. It will also produce oil from the skin grease, which will be used as fuel and the final waste product, a mineral ash, will be sold on to the construction industry. Landfill costs have risen dramatically over the last few years and anyone who does not address this will have serious issues to deal with. The Group takes their environmental responsibilities seriously, customers expect it and the Group’s reputation as industry leader demands that they remain ahead of the competition. Sustainability is not a choice, it’s a requirement. In 2009, SLG reduced their carbon footprint for the fifth successive year and received a carbon trust energy efficiency award.