About Us

Our Legacy: Crafting Excellence in Hides for Over 70 Years

At Hide Skin GmbH, our story isn’t just about processing hides; it’s a rich tapestry woven with generations of expertise, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our journey began in the mid-20th century, founded by two visionary pioneers who laid the groundwork for what would become the industry leader we are today.

The Roots of Excellence: Franz Aengenheyster EK (Est. 1954)

In 1954, Franz Aengenheyster EK was founded by the esteemed Franz Aengenheyster. With a humble beginning in a Geldern Kapellen warehouse, Franz’s dedication to craftsmanship quickly set a new standard. By 1968, driven by logistical foresight and an expanding vision, the company moved to a larger, state-of-the-art facility. Over the years, Franz Aengenheyster EK flourished, earning a formidable reputation as a reliable and powerful partner for both the German and international leather industries. This success was a family affair, with his wife Helene diligently managing administration since 1969, and their son Marc actively involved in the hide trading business from a young age. Marc’s deep understanding of the industry led him to take the helm in 2001, steering the company into a new era as his father transitioned into a well-deserved retirement.

Pioneering Spirit: Hide Trading Company Toni Baltes GmbH (Est. 1952)

Simultaneously, in 1952, master butcher Toni Baltes senior (who passed away on April 9, 1994) embarked on his own pioneering venture, founding Toni Baltes – Hides and Furs. Focused primarily on the Rhine region, Toni senior specialized in collecting, purchasing, preserving, and preparing fresh cattle hides for the burgeoning German leather industry. In that very same year, he established a dedicated warehouse in Wegberg, “In Berg,” for conservation and preparation. His wife Aenne was an active and integral participant in the hide trading company from its inception in 1952. The family legacy continued strong when, in 1985, their sons Karl Josef and Toni (junior) joined the parental business, collectively establishing the Hide Trading Company Toni Baltes GmbH. Their strategic vision led to the establishment of a key branch office in Eisenhüttenstadt, eastern Germany, in 1992, marking a pivotal moment for expansion into the Eastern European market.

A Unified Vision: The Birth of Hide Skin GmbH (Est. 2006)

The global market is ever-evolving, and to meet its dynamic demands, a groundbreaking merger took place on May 1, 2006. Franz Aengenheyster EK and the Hide Trading Company Toni Baltes officially united, forming Hide Skin GmbH. This strategic alliance combined decades of collective experience, knowledge, and infrastructure, immediately positioning Hide Skin GmbH as a force to be reckoned with in the global hide industry.

Our growth and commitment to excellence continued to accelerate:

  • July 28, 2011: Hide Service GmbH was established as a joint venture with Vion Ingredients Germany GmbH. This partnership solidified our capabilities as a contract processing plant, collecting, processing, and storing fresh produce from Vion-Nordplätze at our Wegberg location.
  • August 1, 2018: In a testament to years of successful collaboration and mutual trust, Hide Skin GmbH proudly became part of the distinguished OSI Group. This monumental step further fortified our position, ensuring our customers a constant, high-quality, and sustainable supply of raw materials – a true advantage in a competitive market. OSI FOODWORKS EUROPE GmbH & Hide Skin GmbH – truly a Perfect Partnership.
  • December 18, 2019: Vion Ingredients Germany GmbH transferred their shares to Hide Skin GmbH, making us the sole shareholder of Hide Service GmbH. This consolidation streamlined our operations and reinforced our comprehensive control over the entire hide processing chain.

Why Hide Skin GmbH Stands Apart: Your Premier Partner

At Hide Skin GmbH, we aren’t just a supplier; we are the culmination of unparalleled heritage, cutting-edge processing, and a future-forward vision. Our journey from two esteemed family businesses to a unified powerhouse under the OSI Group underscores our dedication to providing the best hides in the world.

We combine:

  • Generational Expertise: Decades of accumulated knowledge in hide sourcing, preparation, and quality control.
  • Unrivaled Quality Assurance: Meticulous, multi-stage inspections and adherence to the highest European and ecological standards.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Exclusive use of German-origin hides, processed in certified, environmentally responsible tanneries.
  • Global Reach & Reliability: A robust logistics network ensuring timely and temperature-controlled delivery worldwide.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: Offering both standard and custom selections, tailored to your precise manufacturing needs.

Hide Skin GmbH is not just a company; it’s a promise of superior raw materials, sustainable practices, and an unwavering commitment to your success. Partner with us and experience the difference that true leadership and passion for hides can make for your products.