Publisher of leading trade magazines for the Footwear, Leather-goods, Leather & PPE industries

'The joy has gone out of making shoes'

Published: 5th Sep 2022

Author: Alistair Watt; member; Bresan Footwear cc

Pietermaritzburg, KZN, SA - 2022 has most definitely been one of our most challenging years in a long time. The year started off positively, and we have had a few busy months, but overall we are trading way down on previous years.
      Staff absenteeism, material supply problems and rising costs are serious challenges which have sucked the enjoyment out of making shoes.
      The factory hasn't had too much short time this year and is currently working a 5 day week, but production volumes are way down.
      We experienced a definite dip in orders for July and August but September is looking ok, however our order book for the last few months of the year is not even close to looking like it did in years gone by.

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