Saturday, November 21, 2015. Update from northwest Iowa:
Old Lobo has spent the past week at the new location of Lobo Gun Leather to assist Mark and Matt as they worked their way through the first production run.
The first major difference is that Lobo Gun Leather is now being produced in a 2400 sq. ft. facility, rather than the original 500 sq. ft. shop. Lay-out and work flow is substantially improved. Dyeing and finishing operations can be done is a separate area away from other production processes.
The shop is equipped with multiple work stations including 2 heavy duty stitchers, a couple of lighter duty stitching machines, a hydraulic press, separate tooling and carving station, and far greater storage capacity for leathers and supplies.
Matt and Mark are both experienced leather workers, having operated the custom shop "Sioux Leather" for several years. Their skills and experience in all aspects of leather crafting are excellent, and in many ways exceed Old Lobo's (self-taught). Acquisition of Lobo Gun Leather represents an expansion of their business interests, and these gentlemen are serious about continuing the product line and production methods as expected by long-term customers.
We have worked through over 30 pieces representing just about all of the Lobo Gun Leather products, with Mark and Matt doing the work and Old Lobo observing and answering questions. There have already been a number of potential improvements in producton processes identified.
We are all very gratified by the responses received. Order volume has been every bit as good as when Old Lobo was still hobbling along, and everything points toward continued success in meeting customer needs and expectations.
I will remain on-call for consultation and available to respond to future needs at the new Lobo Gun Leather production facility as Mark and Matt, with Luke coming along as well, carry the load and serve the customers.
I have retired with no doubt that my company will continue to grow and serve the needs of customers all over the world with 'serious equipment for serious business', produced by top hands with a commitment to quality.
