Class Codes & Rates:

Tanning—raw hides are washed in a solution of caustic soda, borax, and salt soda to clean and soften. Excess flesh is removed by fleshing machines. Hides are then placed in a lime solution to remove hair and are softened by agitating paddles using chemicals such as oropan, puerine, ammonium chloride, and an inert material such as corn meal. Treating with a solution of sulphuric acid and salt follows. Tanning is then carried out in revolving drums containing water, salt, green basic chromium sulfate, and sodium bicarbonate. Tanned hides are split, dyed, and finished. Sheepskin may be tanned with or without wool, dependent upon its use.