Three countries, one manuscript
Our production in Colombia
Story
Harolds founded the factory in Colombia with a local artisan family in 1985, which is where the collaboration began.
The South American production facility produces 50% of the Harolds collection, as well as the products in the "dothebag" series. This is based on legally regulated employment contracts and socially insured jobs – in contrast to the widespread migrant workforce. These guidelines mean that the majority of workers have been with the factory for over 20 years.
Material & Quality
South America is known for its robust and expressive leather. Traditionally, animal hides are processed as naturally as possible, with the result that the raw material remains recognizable in the products. For example, in the form of grain patterns that develop over the animal's life cycle. This principle could be summarized with the Colombian term "Hecho a mano" (literally translated: "handmade"), which, on the one hand, represents the value of manual labor, but inevitably links this with the rule of treating and processing things as naturally as possible. In this sense, South American cattle typically live outdoors year-round in vast areas, usually high up in the mountains far from civilization – in contrast to the stabled animal husbandry common in Europe. They feed on natural grasses, so their skin has a more balanced fiber structure and a more expressive surface, but may also exhibit minor scars or mosquito bites.
Working conditions
The workers are covered by health insurance (EPS), industrial insurance (accident insurance), pension insurance, the Caixa de Compensacion (unemployment insurance, housing benefits, child benefits), and social security. The workers receive employment contracts valid for at least one year. The term and the associated wages must be met in all cases. Early termination by the employer is not possible. The insurance and contractual arrangements provide an environment for stable employment relationships, especially compared to the migrant labor prevalent in the leather goods industry.
