The best of both worlds

BUSINESS PROFILE PREMIUM

Italy is known for its outstanding design and fashion creations. Germany is known for its thoroughness and efficiency. Jacobs GmbH, based in the Hessian town of Eppertshausen, manages to combine the best of both worlds. Specializing in the production and distribution of leather for accessories, the company combines Italian creativity with typical German values. "This combination is unique in our market and our greatest asset," says Managing Director Michael Jacobs. Building on a solid market position in Germany, the company is now striving to strengthen its international presence.

Geschäftsführer Michael Jacobs glaubt an das Wachstumspotenzial des Unternehmens

"'Italian fashion – German style' – that's our slogan," says Mr. Jacobs. "We combine Italian fashion, innovation, and creativity with German quality awareness, continuity, and production efficiency. This is an excellent symbiosis and makes us a sought-after partner in our industry. In fact, we are the ideal partner for accessories manufacturers, as we ourselves meet the highest standards in terms of fashion, technical workmanship, flexibility, and service."

The strategy is paying off. Jacobs can draw on a long list of references including renowned names such as Gucci, Porsche, Mercedes, Lloyds, and Paul Green. The company serves clients from the shoe, leather, belt, and watch strap industries, the bookbinding market, and the global accessories industry.

Germany is currently its most important market. To expand its network, the company has recently begun entering other European markets.

"We're already quite successful in the Netherlands, Portugal, and Italy," says the managing director. "We also want to gain a foothold in France, Eastern Europe, and the USA. Our market is a global one with a focus on the upper price segment."

Jacobs' product range includes a wide selection of finishes and designs for calf and cow leather. A selection of synthetic materials and fabrics rounds out the company's product portfolio.

"We source our raw materials worldwide," says Mr. Jacobs. "They are then processed by contract manufacturers according to our precise specifications. Thanks to our contract manufacturing concept, we can offer such a broad portfolio. All production takes place in Europe." This is another advantage for us. We are observing a strong return to European production. For many of our customers, fair production conditions, sustainability, and emission control have become important arguments."

Jacobs was founded in 1962 by Michael Jacobs' father. Initially, he traded leather for the furniture industry. Under the leadership of Michael Jacobs and his brother Bernd, the company was transformed from a pure trading company into a manufacturer.

"We definitely want to expand our business in the coming years," says Mr. Jacobs. "I'm convinced we still have a lot of growth potential, especially abroad, but of course we won't neglect our regular customers. In the long term, we'd like to achieve an export share of around 80% – without losing sight of the domestic market. I consider that a realistic goal."