Townsend Values
For 50 years Townsend has been guided by values. By a sense of team, family, grit, and growth and all that encompasses. This year we build on our long-standing foundational values, to… Full Aritcle
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For 50 years Townsend has been guided by values.
By a sense of team, family, grit, and growth and all that encompasses. This year we build on our long-standing foundational values, to vocalize, embrace, and cement three new values.
Townsend Partners together have established the list of values seen, valued, and carried by each of us as:
- TEAMWORK
- COMMUNICATION
- INITIATIVE
- FLEXIBILITY
- GRIT
After careful consideration and observation, we are proud to grow this list and add 3 new values that our Partners have always recognized in each other and in what makes Townsend great. We now take the additional celebratory step to formally add them to our Townsend Leather Cornerstone Values list:
- LEARN
- CARE
- OWNERSHIP
We closed 2018 out by looking forward and celebrating the people, moments, ideas, and values that make Townsend amazing. This marked a significant moment in Townsend’s history to turn our attention to Partners that embody these values and could help crystalize what they mean to Townsend for all of us.
Larissa introduced the new Townsend value of LEARN to the team, brining it to life through examples and explanation giving us a definition to incorporate and build upon:
LEARN
An openness to new experiences, experiments, and ideas with willingness to embrace failure, try again, and spread knowledge.
Ian put the idea of OWNERSHIP into our bodies, where we could viscerally feel the sense of urgency and importance this pinnacle value means, has meant, and needs to mean to Townsend with a definition of:
OWNERSHIP
Assuming responsibility for each issue, challenge, and opportunity to ensure the success and fulfillment of all partners.
And in true caring-style, Rebecca, Margaux, Pam, and AJ crafted the idea of care right in our hearts as a team. Expressing one of the most recognizable Townsend values, with a caring definition:
CARE
Putting Townsend’s values at the heart of all relationships, being mindful of partners, customers, and our work through practicing empathy and generosity.
50 years of craft and care have led us to this list of recognized and honored Townsend values, our next 50 years will be even better through our attention, growth, and cultivation of these values in ourselves and each other. We proudly look forward to seeking and celebrating so many moments of values-in-action at Townsend in 2019 and beyond.
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Townsend has always been at the forefront of technology, but we approach it through the lens of how can it enhance our artisans skills.
We seek out and explore new capabilities, processes, machines, vendors, and technologies with an aim to utilize the precision and efficiency of mechanics in order to augment the hand craft that our people have been perfecting for nearly five centuries.
Being the manufacturer means that not only do we have the luxury of testing, refining, and perfecting process in real-time on-site, but we also get to look outside the industry and gather ideas from all places, then adapt them to fit the needs of leather and our designers.
Our artisan craftspeople take serious pride in the leathers they create, especially when they get to explore something new. We welcome the challenge of any design and any dream. If you can dream it, we can make it.
This year we are excited to give special highlight to four of our newest and most exciting design capabilities, perfect blends of artisan craftsmanship steeped in history and experience, with state-of-the-art technology. With that blend of skills and capabilities, we are able to mix up any flavor – create a flavor of dreams, of design, of leather for any taste.
Digital Printing
In love with an image? A photo? A hand-drawn design? See it permanently, expertly, and perfectly reproduced in full color right onto the leather – through our Digital Printing process.
Laser Etching
Ink-free, but a lasting and impactful image. Engraved with lasers, your image, logo, or design pops against the leather background and retains a natural look and feel with our Laser Etching capability.
Perforating
Distinctly unique. Never before has the removal of something made such a design statement, but perfectly punching out pinholes of leather can create a subtle or striking pattern that becomes the perfect compliment to your design. Our Perforating options are sure to please.
and Quilting
The newest, in-house capability of ours. Really ties your design together. 3-Dimensional patterns, stitched right into the leather offer your designs a eye-pleasing tactile experience, crafted with machined precision under the watchful eye of our expert team, our Quilting capability.
Reach out to your Townsend Leather Rep for more information or to get your hands on samples. Or see them first-hand at our 2018 NBAA booth where we will have examples of each on display.
Dig a little deeper into the specs and examples of each on our Resources Page, where you will find helpful PDFs exploring each capability
- Digital Prints Sheet
- Laser Etching Sheet
- Leather Perforations Sheet
- Pretty Perforations Sheet
- Quilting Capabilities Sheet
Townsend Leather at NBAA 2018 Booth #823
Join us for our Drinks & Design Happy Hour at the NBAA Convention, Wednesday October 17th from 3 – 5pm at booth #823
Color craft your summer with Townsend Leather.
Now that it’s August, we’ve got our minds on savoring the rest of the summer.
Summer is full of zest, excitement, and adventure. We have been inspired this month by the bold colors of summer all around us – in our food, in our fashion, on our vacations . . . and we’ve been funneling this inspiration to our craftspeople who have created leathers in these vivacious hues. A rich and bold fusion reds and oranges have evoked a playfulness and reinvigorated our summer lovin’ senses!
https://townsendleather.com/leather/samples/product-lines/Duvel-Rustica-Cowhide-(RST)/
https://townsendleather.com/leather/samples/product-lines/Corked-Cowhide-(CRK)/
https://townsendleather.com/leather/samples/product-lines/Stacy-Garcia-Kinetic-Cowhide-(SG-KN)/
Turn up the heat with some fiery and exotic leathers
Leather can sometimes be perceived as a mystifying material to some, especially to those more familiar with working with man-made fabrics and textiles. Leather is a very natural material and therefore has inherent traits and qualities that only natural materials do. However, understanding leather doesn’t have to be so complicated if you realize that despite the dozens of qualities and types of leather on the market, most leathers can be categorized in one of two categories: Aniline or Finished. What do these categories mean?
ANILINE is defined as a type of leather product that is aniline-dyed with a soft, supple texture or hand. It is made by a process of dyeing the raw material with various color dyes. Natural variations in color, tone, and texture are part of the beauty of this leather and highlight each hide’s unique history and natural markings. The dye does not provide full coverage of the hide and therefore Aniline leather is less consistent than Finished leather. Due to the lack of full finish coverage, this product type is subject to more soiling, fading, and wear.
FINISHED is defined as a type of leather product that is an aniline-dyed cow hide. Its natural grain character and soft comfortable hand create an aesthetically-pleasing leather. It is made by a process of surface coat-ing/coloration of a natural product with mechanical spray application of pigmented formula and topcoat which provides protection from soiling, fading, and wear. Finished leather is more consistent than Aniline leathers and fewer defects are apparent with a Finished Leath-er as compared to an Aniline leather. Another point is that some of these leathers may additionally be further qualified into Embossing and/or Hand Tipping leathers. Emboss-ing and Hand Tipping leathers are not their own categories, but rather they imply these added processes are applicable on certain products.
EMBOSSING is the process of adding a distinctive pattern to leather through the use of engraved or etched plates or rolls with heat or pressure. Embossed designs may be an imitation of the natural grain, different types of animal skins, geometric patterns, or custom designs. The Embossing process may be added to both Finished Hides or Aniline Hides. Inconsistency in pattern look (i.e., depth of print) may be evident due to processing. Depending on the pattern, visible match lines may be present. The size of plate or width of roll and match lines are defined on showroom sample la-bels and should be taken into account for appropriateness depending on the intended application.
HAND TIPPING is the process wherein the characteristic finish effect
(pigment) of leather is applied by hand. This human pro-cessing may affect the final look of the product. Variance in design and color is part of the natural beauty of this leather. Inconsistency in look of product within a hide and from hide to hide should be expected.
Calling all crafters, creators, makers, leather-lovers, deal-finders, sale-lovers, or anyone who just likes stuff!
Come to Townsend Leather (45 Townsend Ave, Johnstown) this weekend for our very super huge Garage Sale!
Townsend Leather GARAGE SALE!
Leather! Leather! Leather!
So many leather hides at super low prices!
We will be selling for two days, selling all kinds of leather, trade-show materials, leather, furniture, discounted leather, leather tiles, reduced-price leather, leather, things & stuff!
Crafters, creators, makers, deal-finders, sale-lovers, or anyone who likes stuff come to Townsend Leather (45 Townsend Ave, Johnstown) this weekend!
THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
AT TOWNSEND LEATHER, BUILDING 2
Saturday, May 19th 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, May 20th 9 AM – 3 PM
https://www.facebook.com/events/461422654288695/
The Namaste Collection was inspired by our venture into finding more zen in our everyday lives. In this fact-paced world and industry, ensuring our employees find balance in life is important to us.
One way we’ve done this recently is through incorporating the practice of yoga into our workplace culture.
Our Namaste Collection of leathers is available in our “sample store”, go to
www.townsendleather.com/leather/samples/featured/Namaste-Collection
to see the full collection and request your own samples.
Townsend supported the month-long training of Monica Carey, who has worked in Customer Service at Townsend for ten years, to become certified in Sivananda Yoga. She has since taught classes to Townsend employees during our work day. This has proven beneficial to our employees, providing them stress relief and placing an emphasis on the importance of caring for their mental and physical well-being.
Namaste is derived from the Sanskrit nama, meaning “bow,” and te, meaning “to you.” A common salutation, namaste literally means, “I bow to you.” But the significance of the word namaste goes far beyond its use as a term of greeting; namaste is an acknowledgement that we are all divine and that we are all ultimately connected.
Our Namaste Collection has taken all aspects of Yoga and the divine world that Yogis practice and turned it into a beautiful, calming, and luxurious leather collection that is offered in 8 colors with coordinating patterns and sheens. We hope this collection brings peace and beauty to each interior design where it is used.
~Namaste
Namaste Collection Prana Cowhide (PRN)
Prana meaning the vital life force or subtle energy of the vital breath – Prana is a Sanskrit word constructed of the syllables pra and an. ‘An’ means movement and ‘pra’ is a prefix meaning constant. Therefore, prana means constant motion. Breathing exercises are called Pranayamas, which means to control the Prana and control of the Prana leads to control of the mind.
Taking cues from the practice of yoga and the steady control of the vital breath, Prana Cowhide is an aniline-dyed, natural grain cowhide that has very light and subtle finishes that highlights the smooth grain of this select hide. Prana has a super softness, exceptional durability and cutting yield, and a semi-matte sheen which lends beauty to the 8 relaxing and calming colors offered in Prana.
Prana Cowhide is part of our Namaste Collection created to be soft in touch and color, inspired by the quiet beauty of nature our and our connection to it through the practice of yoga and to encourage a sense of calm and balance through interior designs.
Namaste Collection Shanti Cowhide (SHN)
Shanti is a Sanskrit term meaning “peace.” When you chant, “Om shanti shanti shanti,” it’s an invocation of peace. Yogis chant shanti three times in order to promote peace in body, mind and spirit. This mantra may also be used as a blessing of peace over the attendants.
Shanti Cowhide has a soft and subtle pearlescent finish that highlights the smooth, natural grain of this selected hide. Shanti has a super softness, exceptional durability and cutting yield, and a pearlized sheen which lends beauty to the 8 relaxing and calming colors offered in Shanti.
Shanti Cowhide is part of our Namaste Collection created to be soft in touch and color, inspired by the quiet beauty of nature our and our connection to it through the practice of yoga and to encourage a sense of calm and balance through interior designs.
Namaste Collection Raja Cowhide (RJA)
Raja is a Sanskrit term meaning “king.” Just as raja is the highest rank of the state, Raja Yoga ranks highest among the four paths of yoga and is also called the royal path. The chief practice of Raja Yoga is meditation, offering a comprehensive method for controlling the waves of thought by turning our mental and physical energy into transcendental energy. This means that it is considered the state of peace and contentment that comes with sustained yoga practice and meditation.
Much like in Yoga, Raja Cowhide offers the imprint of a fluid and continuous wave pattern, Geowave, highlighted by a soft and subtle pearlescent effect, resembling the mental and physical thought achieved through the practice of meditation. Raja has a super softness, exceptional durability and cutting yield, and a pearlized sheen which lends beauty to the 8 relaxing and calming colors offered in Raja.
Raja Cowhide is part of our Namaste Collection created to be soft in touch and color, inspired by the quiet beauty of nature our and our connection to it through the practice of yoga and to encourage a sense of calm and balance through interior designs.
Namaste Collection Karma Cowhide (KRM)
Karma is a Sanskrit word which means “action” or “work.” It derives from the root verb kri, which means “to act.” As a concept, therefore, karma can refer to all the actions a person makes, both with their body and in their mind. All activity creates karma. As one of the main paths of yoga that a practitioner can follow, Karma Yoga is the Yoga of Action; it is the path of action, or selfless service towards others. It is the path chosen primarily by those of an outgoing nature. It purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward.
Karma Cowhide resembles the selfless path of action with the gaufraged pattern Mini Cobble, highlighted by a soft and subtle pearlescent effect. Karma has a super softness, exceptional durability and cutting yield, and a pearlized sheen which lends beauty to the 8 relaxing and calming colors offered in Karma.
Karma Cowhide is part of our Namaste Collection created to be soft in touch and color, inspired by the quiet beauty of nature our and our connection to it through the practice of yoga and to encourage a sense of calm and balance through interior designs.
Townsend Leather has once again been recognized as one of the best places to work in the entire Capital District Region, and in fact has been recognized as THE Top Place to Work of all mid-size companies!
For years now Townsend Leather has continually been awarded recognition as a Top Work Place from the Albany Times Union and a Best Place To Work from the Albany Business Review.
Our team was surprised and elated, to not only win once again, but to take the top position! The award ceremony was filled with laughs, photos, and good times, but it was especially exciting at the moment that Townsend Leather was called out as the #1 Mid-Size Company Top Work Place winner.
You can see the moment of excitement, at the award ceremony, from our Facebook Live video: https://www.facebook.com/TownsendLeatherCompany/videos/1638841506152069/
The Albany Times Union, wrote an article highlighting some of the awesome aspects of Townsend Leather: https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/1st-Place-Midsize-Employer-Townsend-Leather-12825966.php
Townsend Leather was also recognized with a special honor, an award for “DIRECTION”. Which symbolizes the foresight, leadership, and positive direction that Townsend is headed in. Our Partners feel safe and comfortable and are excited about our future.
We believe in our company, in our people, and in our culture. We believe in making it better every day. Awards like these are not necessary, they aren’t something we specifically strive for, but to be recognized for the things that we hold near and dear to our hearts, feels good.
Shortly after the award ceremony, we had a burst of good weather. We seized the opportunity to get everyone outside and celebrate a lot of awesomeness. We celebrated a couple of stellar Partner stories (a couple of our “Standing Ovation” awards) and even handed out huge checks to winners. We celebrated a month of incredible feats and performance by everyone to get through one of Townsend’s busiest times in our history, and do awesomely through it. We celebrated once again, earning our AS9100 Recertification and passing our intense audit, with flying colors. And of course, we celebrated our #1 Top Work Place honor with confetti cannons, high fives, and fruit all around!
We are so proud of the work we do, the people we are, and the greatness we create together. These things really matter. We are able to produce even better leather at even faster speeds because we love doing it. We love where we work, we love who we work with, we love how we work, we love what we do – and because of that love we are able to create the finest upholstery leather in the world and proudly stand behind it.
If you are interested in joining our Top Workplace Team read more and apply here: www.townsendleather.com/job
https://townsendleather.com/job
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A Flavor For Every Taste
Townsend has always been at the forefront of technology, but we approach it through the lens of how can it enhance our artisans skills. We seek out and explore new capabilities, processes,… Full Aritcle
