The Midlands, KZN, SA – 2023 was a big year for Groundcover.The business was founded by my parents, Amanda and Justin McCarthy, in the KZN midlands in 1990.What started as a passion for leatherwork has since grown into a sensibly sized and sustainable business that employs 30 individuals.What has been key to our success is the commu ...more

On the shoe machinery side, Italy is holding its own. Companies that have been around for many years are positive for future trading. There are 2 reasons – China is slowing, and their manufacturers are concentrating on high tech industries mainly pertaining to electronic goods.. Also, the Italian government is assisting Italian shoe ...more

I was in Italy last week, sponsored by Assomac Servizi to attend the Simac/Tanning Tech fair, and technical reports will follow in the October issues of S&V African Leather and S&V Footwear & Leather Goods.My indelible memory of this trip isn’t of the fair, however. It is the apparent affirmation of the grumbles I’ ...more