Marcus: 'Out of doubt came a dream job'

It wasn’t always Marcus’ ambition to become a tanner; he originally had a different idea in mind. But he continued in the profession after his apprenticeship, becoming a master craftsman and then studying leather technology. The combination of craftsmanship and innovative technology that captivated him when he first discovered the tannery trade continues to fascinate him today.

OUT OF DOUBT CAME A DREAM JOB

"When I was younger, I found it very difficult to settle on a particular school or career. It can feel disheartening not knowing what you want to do next, especially when you are not one of those people who knew what they wanted to do from when they were young. I didn’t know either. When it came to exploring my options, I certainly did not know what a tanner was.

Only when I actually experienced working in a tannery did I realise that being a tanner would be my dream job. When I was studying chemistry at school, I didn’t develop a sense of how exciting it really is. In fact, I’ve learned in my time as a tanner that chemistry is a fascinating system that functions like LEGO blocks; with just a few blocks, you can create great things.

What I love about my job is that it is ‘varied’ in the best sense of the word. From the countless ways of applying chemicals in the service of humanity, nature and the environment to the rather small – but resolutely internationalist – industry that feels almost like a family, there’s a lot to like in the leather tanning industry.

Business is about people. I have had the opportunity to learn from and to share experiences with like-minded people from a wide range of cultures all over the world; I am hugely grateful for it. Across the industry, experts are working together to develop procedures, products, applications, marketing campaigns and fulfill hard specifications. Safety, health and the welfare of the environment is always most important - a colourful profession indeed. 

Working in the leather industry calls on you to be highly innovative and open-minded – especially in the leather business – because the markets and conditions are constantly changing. The maxim that I follow is: Whatever challenge comes up, partner up with it, welcome it, listen to it and then act accordingly – there is always room for something new and something better!".

Marcus Breulmann,
Global Technical Manager Segment Leather Wet End Chemicals