Timeline
Elmo was founded in 1931. The early days as a small shoe leather company have over the years evolved to become a pioneering supplier of sustainable leathers to international companies in the automotive, furniture and many other interior requiring sectors. Our history spans over nearly 90 years, all over the globe.Established by Gustav Elmquist with production of shoe leather
Sold to KF
Investment in machinery to produce full hides enables us to move into automotive and furniture industry
Development of our first furniture leather elmolux (printed pigmented leather)
Increased focus on furniture leather with development of elmoclassic arizona and softline
Penetration of the premium automotive market
Opening of sales office in Highpoint, NC. Elmo Leather of America
Development of elmosoft and elmorustical (chrome tanned)
Development of elmotique
Acquisition of ALMC, American Leather in New Jersey
Driving the industry by switching from solvent-based coatings to water-based coatings – Excelling in air emission reduction and still a benchmark
KF sells 53% of elmo shares to Nordic Capitals
With the acquisition of Swewi in Denmark, Elmo start production of chrome free leather
Elmo Leather of America in NJ is closed and production is moved to Sweden
Swewi is closed and production moved to HQ in Sweden
Opening of our water cleaning facility
Rino Mastrotto Group acquires Elmo Leather
Opening of a Sales office in Detroit serving the North American automotive industry – Elmo of America
