Bowron Sheepskins

Bowron Sheepskins trace their origins back to 1879, when G.L. Bowron & Co. Ltd was founded in New Zealand by brothers George and William Bowron. Skilled tanners from Yorkshire, in England, the two brothers journeyed to Christchurch with a clear ambition; to build a new life and to establish a tannery that would go on to carry the family name and their aptitude for high-end craftsmanship well into the future.

At the time, Christchurch was home to just under 30,000 people.

The Canterbury region was gaining recognition as New Zealand’s main agricultural area at the time, and particularly for the exceptional quality of its sheep. As the tannery grew alongside the young city, it laid the foundations for a multi-generation legacy of excellence in the fields of lambskin and sheepskin tanning and manufacturing.

Building on decades of progress, Bowron then achieved a major global milestone in the late 1990s by developing the Whitan™ Process. This innovative method set new international standards through a superior product quality while dramatically reducing environmental impact. 

To support this advancement, the company made significant investment in a modern, purpose-built tannery. The closed-loop Whitan™ system brought together advanced chemical technologies alongside more than a century of accumulated expertise and hands-on tanning knowledge.

True to heritage yet always forward-looking, Bowron is a committed partner to innovation and continually evolves, but still respects the journey and values that shape the company’s enduring success.