This week has been all about Leather Protectors. We launched our line of Leather Protectors about 6 years ago. We took a novel approach by designing our protector based on the contours of the insulating rubber gloves that are worn underneath. Prior to that, protectors were made 2-dimensionally and flat - a top layer (back of hand) and a bottom layer (palm side) - with no regards to the rubber gloves they were fitting over. We knew that if we made a 3-dimensional protector, we could perfectly mirror the shape of the rubber gloves - thereby, creating a protector that was more form-fit resulting in greater dexterity. We also knew that we could use a higher quality leather on both the hand (e.g. water resistant cow grain on our Primaries) and the cuff (water resistant cow split) that would result in greater comfort, grip and durability. We also used a Flame Resistant Kevlar strap and Arc Rated fastener (no drip / no melt) in an effort to try an build the very best protector we possibly could. I am happy to report that the resulting products have been met with much enthusiasm amongst workers. We are diligently trying to keep up with the increase in demand from the leather side of things, but it has not been without its challenges. Due to the increase, we were having trouble getting enough of that soft, supple, beautiful leather that workers have come to expect from Youngstown. The good news is that we are working closely with the tannery to ramp up leather production for the long-term in an effort to produce and supply the very best protectors we can make. One thing is for certain, we will never sacrifice the quality of our materials or the craftsmanship of our products no matter what headwinds we may face. And we will always continue to improve our products and our processes behind the scenes for long-term growth and sustainability. Cheers!
