# Walsall leather maker Ettinger keeps luxury goods production largely handmade

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/you-cant-bring-in-robots-the-leather-firm-handmaking-everything-from-wallets-to-cigar-cases/
- Published: 2026-10-25T08:00:57+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T08:32:34+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/oct/25/ettinger-leather-handmaking-wallets-cigar-cases-walsall
- Topics: Art, Business, Celebrity, Culture, Economy, Entertainment, Markets, TV, UK, World

## Key points

- Ettinger’s Walsall factory still makes luxury leather goods by hand.
- A wallet is built from 28 separate leather pieces.
- The business carries on a craft once widespread in Walsall.

## Summary

Ettinger, one of Walsall’s last remaining leather goods makers, continues to produce luxury items largely by hand, as the work requires close attention to detail. The factory’s survival reflects the decline of a once extensive local industry and the value some customers place on British craftsmanship.

Around 20 people work at the factory, with a few more working from home; they make wallets, cigar cases and other goods, many of which can be personalised. A wallet comprises 28 leather pieces, cut with a hydraulic press and assembled by hand. Founded in 1934, Ettinger holds royal warrants from King Charles and Queen Camilla, and its British-made tote bags cost just under £800, compared with more than £2,000 for some major luxury labels.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.