BRIDGE of Weir Leather has strengthened its position as a growing
supplier to the motor industry by winning a three-year #2.2m contract to
supply leather seat upholstery and trim for Renault's executive
flagship, the Safrane.
The company, which employs 136 people, believes the deal with the
successful French motoring group provides a crucial staging post for
more Continental business and will pitch to be included in the
highly-acclaimed new Renault Laguna range.
Jonathan Muirhead, Bridge of Weir Leather's managing director, said
yesterday that inclusion in Renault's list of suppliers only came after
a ''highly-demanding'' quality audit of products and production
processes.
Renault's selection of Scottish hides for its high-performance
hatchback was due partially to links forged three years ago with Swedish
car-builder Volvo, which now uses its leather across most of its
Scandinavian, Belgian and Dutch-built model range.
Although Volvo has drawn back from a wholesale merger with Renault,
the two discussed common sources of components and equipment which led
to a trial by the French ''regie's'' buyers.
Bridge of Weir Leather generates more than 80% of its #15m-a-year
turnover from international automotive contracts and has pioneered a
soft ''crushed'' leather texture for upmarket car interiors using more
environmentally-friendly dyeing and tanning processes.
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