Diverse expertise

The leather sector is surprising; leather and fur remain one of the choice fields of Lyon craftsmen. Professionals know that a large part of the work carried out on the leather of Hermès products comes from Lyon, where ancient, respected traditions now cater for the tastes of today.

Local activity is characterized by diversity in terms of knowledge, specialties (fashion/techniques), and the ranges handled, with:

	The transformation industry: cutting of leather, and manufacturing of end products. The main activity of the Lyon urban area is the manufacturing of shoes or leather items, for the fashion industry (Hermès, Erbe, etc.) and for technical applications.
	Technical expertise with regard to cutting leather.

All related professions are represented here (designers, initiators, integrated manufacturers, fashion contractors, etc.).

The leather activity in Lyon is supported by the importance of the Rhône-Alpes region, the 2nd French center in this sector in terms of jobs and number of companies.

Research

The Lyon urban area is the 1st French center for research and training in the field of leather shoes, and leather in general, with the Centre Technique du Cuir et de la Chaussure(technical center for leather, shoes and leather goods), a real asset for the conurbation.

Key figures

	43 companies
	369 jobs
	A turnover of almost 43M€ (exclusive of VAT)