In 1945, The Melton Provision Company started meatpacking operations in San Antonio , Texas , supplying local grocery stores and sausage makers with the finest in Texas lamb.  The lambskins were often considered to have little value and were regularly disposed of via the landfill.  Recognizing that this was a waste of a natural resource, Southern Wool was formed as a processing division and set about building a pullery.   This operation removed the wool from the pelt and produced pickled pelts destined for use in various leather products. 

Through the years, Southern Wool gained a reputation for top quality pelts, used in products as diverse as lampshades, chamois leathers, clothing and hatbands for the U.S. military.  The recouped wool was sold to manufacturers for use in clothing, felt and other fabrics. At one time Southern Wool was the largest single producer of wool in the United States .

In the late 60’s, operations were expanded into merchandising pelts that had more value with the wool remaining on the skin.  Southern Wool exported these skins to tanners all over the world.  Utilizing our technical knowledge of the raw material, we offered specialized selections based on each customer’s individual needs.  Now involved in all aspects of the ovine leather business, it was a natural progression that we would eventually begin tanning operations ourselves.

Through the early 1990’s we slowly but methodically began transforming the fellmongering or “pulling” operation into a shearling tannery focusing on wool-on industrial productions like car seat covers, paint rollers and the like.  Soon the product line was expanded to include more challenging items like footwear and garment double face.

As Southern Wool & Skin Company grew, so did the need for raw material.  Sourcing additional product from other suppliers became increasingly important.  With our history in ranching and meatpacking, we enjoyed strong relationships with lamb producers and feeders that greatly facilitated an expansion to Colorado and development of a sourcing facility there.

In 1998 Southern Wool and Skin purchased Nelson & Sons tannery, adding their renowned range of fashion and clothing shearling to compliment the footwear, Saddlery, and industrial leathers already being produced by Southern Wool.  Nelson & Sons shared our long background and were pioneers in the shearling tannery business in The United States. 

Founded in the late 30’s, Nelson was best known for contributions to the development of what is now known as Mouton Lambskin.  This product was developed to replicate exotic furs then being made from the skins of animals such as Beavers and Seals.  Mouton shearling is now produced around the world as an ecologically sound and cost effective alternative to the use of wild animal furs.  Nelson expertise was also highly appreciated by U.S. aircrews in World War II, with warm shearling flying suits being standard issue in the days when heating in aircraft was unknown or at least often ineffective.

As we stepped into the twenty first century our combined tanning operations would become known as The Nugget Company.  While our roots remain very much in raw material, with exceedingly strong relationships with our animal producers and suppliers, we now produce products in the USA and Turkey to better service our customers needs. While we have a long and rich history, we believe this is only the beginning for The Nugget Company.  Our goal is to continue to provide our customers and suppliers with diligent service, quality products and honest, consistent value for many more years to come.