Shui Hing Leather Factory, also a third-generation operation, was established in 1985 and is the last surviving leather factory in Hong Kong. "We have to regularly renew our Offensive Trade License with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Currently, we are the only leather factory on the list of companies with such a license. Our colleagues at the department say, 'If you don't do it, there will be no leather factories left,'" said Pak Ho-him.
Every day, hides from the slaughterhouse are immediately transported to the Rui Hing workshop in the Kwai Chung Industrial Park for processing. They are salted and then go through over ten processes, including repeated washing and soaking, before becoming a semi-finished hide, which takes two to three weeks. "It's always been a demanding industry. The factory used to have workers sitting around two or three tables, but now there are only four. We operate on a 'break-even model,' continuing to process semi-finished hides into industrial leather whenever possible. Now, most of the semi-finished hides are exported as raw material. Our factory revenue has dropped by at least 80% compared to earlier years."
The family business was at its peak in the 1980s, when the leather factory supplied numerous international brands, including Vans and Gap. Bai Haoqian explains, "Even IZZUE's jackets are made from our cowhide!" To keep the leather factory afloat, Bai Haoqian, who took over the family business ten years ago, spent a year establishing his own brand, "The Lederer," and setting up a specialty store, transitioning from mass production to personalized customization. "We retail leather goods, offer DIY leather kits, and run workshops. In recent years, we've also introduced a number of leather care products, hoping to expand our product line."
With extensive experience in leather processing and product development, Bai Haoqian has led the leather factory to develop a B2B business. For example, we provide leather goods production for Cathay Pacific and also develop and produce products for numerous local leather brands. "For example, a brand will provide guidance on leather styles, and we will help develop and produce a range of products. A single order can bring in nearly seven figures, and you can continue to work in production for a long time, which has become a significant part of our business."
Although the leather factory is becoming increasingly insignificant in Ruixing's overall business, the advantage is that it is a self-owned factory, and Bai Haoqian insists on continuing to operate it. "The leather factory is the root of the entire family business. It is the hard work of my father-in-law and parents. It was only then that the leather business was developed after I took over. So, even if it is difficult, I hope to continue to operate it and let more people know the story of this last leather factory in Hong Kong."
Article source: East Weekly
