During Fall Fest, we presented Horween Leather Company (2015 N Elston) with our Industrial Business of the Year Award.

President Skip Horween (pictured above right) accepted the award from NBW staff Steve Simmons. It was especially fitting to make this recognition in October, which is Manufacturing Month.

A fifth-generation family business, the company has been making fine leather goods since 1905.

Horween Leather Company is the only tannery in the State of Illinois. And we are very fortunate to have them in the North Branch.

It’s impressive to think about the knowledge, techniques, and skills that have been passed through family generations to keep the business running.

It can be easy to pass by an industrial company and not fully appreciate the special work taking place inside its building because it’s often not visible to the public.

Horween crafts premium leather goods and distributes its products internationally.

The leather produced by Horween is artisanal, requiring teamwork, attention to detail, and considerable physical effort.

As much as technology has changed our society, if you take a tour of Horween Leather Company, you’ll come away impressed that centuries old machines, techniques, and its expert craftsmanship continue to produce exceptional leather.

Professional sports leagues recognize Horween's quality: its leather is used in every NFL football and NBA basketball.

In 2023, the City of Chicago recognized Horween Leather Company with a Legacy Industrial Business Award.  Watch this dynamic video to learn more about the company.

Horween hires locally and employs a workforce of 100 people in high-quality family sustaining jobs that build community wealth.

Please join us in celebrating Horween Leather Company and congratulating its team on this well-deserved honor!

Image credit: Anne Evans