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)

Investment in machinery to produce full hides enables us to move into automotive and furniture industry

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