Hermès plans new leather workshop, creating 260 jobs in Normandy

Hermès is expanding its production capacity in France by opening a new leather goods workshop in Colombelles, Normandy, slated to employ 260 artisans by 2028. This Colombelles site will be the luxury brand's 27th leather goods workshop, supporting continued strong global demand for its coveted products such as the Birkin and Kelly bags. The new facility, being developed on a former metalworks site, is part of a broader expansion that includes additional workshops under development in Charente, Gironde, and Ardennes. Hermès reported significant growth in its leather goods sales, outperforming rivals like LVMH even as the luxury sector as a whole slows. The company emphasizes collaboration with local partners and training institutions to recruit and educate artisans, reaffirming its commitment to craftsmanship and sustainable development. This expansion comes amid ongoing discussions in the luxury sector about tariffs and the potential offshoring of production, but Hermès remains committed to maintaining its artisanal model within France.