Drei Länder, drei Handschriften
Unsere Produktion in Indien
Geschichte
The cooperation with the Indian manufactory in Calcutta began in 1998. Three young brothers were looking for a partner in Germany. They contacted Harold's, because they saw in us a partner who could provide them above all with the know-how of craftsmanship. We first started with the production of simple shoulder bags, in order to gradually build up know-how in the young production. In the course of the following years, the collection was enlarged and the manufactory was introduced to more sophisticated bag models and leather materials.
In this process, mainly waxed and oiled cowhide, vegetable tanning were used. These open-pored leathers, typical for Harold's, are characterized by their high usability and durability. Harold's has supported the careful development of the manufacture with an evenly distributed order book, above all in order to preserve the know-how that has been built up. The retention and further development of know-how among the craftsmen is the cornerstone for the consistently high quality of workmanship of Harold's bags.
Materialien & Qualität
Die Kuh in Indien ist heilig. Allerdings besteht die indische Bevölkerung aus 13% Muslimen. Für diesen Bevölkerungsanteil werden in ostindischen Arealen Rinderherden für die Nahrungsmittelherstellung gehalten. Die Verwertung erfolgt in staatlichen Schlachtereien, in denen das Rohleder anfällt, welches unsere Partner weiter verwerten.
Mit dem Fabrikneubau und der Zusammenarbeit mit SEDEX/Bureau Veritas rückte die Ökologisierung der Materialien schrittweise in den Focus. Die Umstellung erfolgt in drei Bereichen:
Umstellung von semivegetabilen Leder auf vollvegetabile Leder
Verwendung von Biobaumwollgeweben als Innenmaterial für Taschen
Verwendung von nachhaltigen, flexibel nutzbaren Verpackungen aus Biobaumwolle
Arbeitsbedingungen
The common path finally led to a new factory building in 2005. Since then, our partners have been working with SEDEX and the Veritas office. Both organizations pursue a concept that serves as a basis for companies to integrate social and environmental concerns into their business activities on a voluntary basis. The current 67 employees work for a salary that is higher than the legally required minimum wage. This is monitored by the state at regular intervals. The contracts include social, health and accident insurance, as well as 15 paid vacation days. Maternity leave includes 90 paid days. Workers receive copies of their employment contracts, as well as monthly pay slips. The standard working time is 48 hours/week (8 hours x 6 days). Overtime is allowed max. 2 hrs/day and is charged at double the hourly rate (200%). The minimum age is 14 years,
from the age of 18, however, only full working hours may be demanded and performed. There is no home work and no migrant work, which promotes a high quality of workmanship.
There is a workers' committee in the company that meets monthly and negotiates tariffs and concerns of the workers. This is laid down in a contract. Working hours and breaks are regulated, overtime is paid and does not exceed the legal requirements.
An equal opportunity policy is practiced to avoid discrimination. Workers have a contact person to whom they can turn in confidence. Illnesses, such as HIV infection, have no impact in terms of employment and working conditions.
