Motor City Unearthed & Rebirthed Limited Run w/Ford Leather

Description

In 2021, when Ford Motor Company was renovating the Ford Design Center in Dearborn, MI, they demolished an attic after almost 70 years. Inside, they found $100,000 in quality leather.

Jim Conner with Ford said the hides were found in the basement and attic of the center which has now been demolished. Included in the treasures, which were very nearly thrown out, was roughly 250 cowhides. Over $100,000 worth of leather, originally for the high-end Lincolns and King Ranch edition trucks. The surplus was originally ordered for prototyping and design, left over from projects over the past 6-8 years.

What did Ford decide to do with the high-quality hides? Donate them to two Detroit-based small businesses. One of them, Pingree Detroit, is a leather goods manufacturer who hires Detroiters and veterans.

The Ford Fund, donated the materials to Pingree Detroit (a worker-owned firm employing veterans) and Mend on the Move (which employs female abuse survivors).

This discovery provided a “game-changer” supply for local, socially responsible manufacturers to create products like wallets, bags, and boots.

We reached out to Pingree first thanking them for what they do for veterans and congratulated them on having so many hides donated to them for their incredible business and cause.

We knew the importance and didn’t ask for anything for free. We asked if we could buy anything that was left over when they were finished. Several months later they messaged us with great news. They had quite a bit of the grey Ford leather left.

We bought the rest from them, and it has sat in our own warehouse since 2021. We unearthed & rebirthed this leather once again into a beautiful patch stitched onto our Richardson hats. To honor Detroit and where this hide came from it simply says Motor City – Unearthed & Rebirthed.

We love a good story. Especially with a hat. We hope you love this one.

Built Slow
Worn Hard
Since 2008