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Manufactured Exclusively
by
A Brief History
of the Crates Family
In Saddlemaking
The Crates name in the western
saddlery industry dates back over 75 years to
the 1940s, when Robert H. Crates joined
T. Fletcher Sims in building Sims Collar &
Leather Company in Chattanooga,
Tennessee, established in 1932, into worldwide distributor and industry leader, Simco
Leather Company. Robert Crates, a
mid-westerner from Ohio moved south during
the Great Depression, purchasing the small
manufacturer of harness, horse collars, and
miners equipment with Mr. Sims.
The years after World War II brought a great
demand for recreational saddlery and riding equipment, which soon eclipsed the work harness and farm equipment
business. The sport of Rodeo grew rapidly, to become a major factor in the “horse business”. Robert H. Crates
became the sole owner of Simco in the 1950’s and was joined in the 50’s after military service by sons Daniel M. and
Robert C. Crates.
The 50’s, 60’s and 70’s were boom days for both Western and English riding sports. Simco Leather during this
period was considered the largest, or certainly one of the largest, world-wide distributors of western equestrian
equipment, as well as a major pioneering factor in horse clothing and nylon tack and equipment. Simco also
manufactured an extensive line of western style outer wear. The company grew to two manufacturing plants in
Tennessee, and a distribution warehouse in Oregon to serve the West Coast.
The Crates family continued to lead Simco after merging with world leader fishing tackle manufacturer
Shakespeare Company in 1970, a New York Stock Exchange Company. Shakespeare operated sporting goods
companies in archery, golf, water craft, marine taxidermy, marine electronics, and mono-filament nylon products.
Daniel M. Crates served as a member of the Board of Directors during this period. Shakespeare Company changed
ownership in 1980.
In 1982 Robert H., Daniel M., and Robert C., along with key Simco team members, established Crates Leather
company, Inc., in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to perpetuate the tradition of Crates-made western saddlery, distributed
world-wide, as did the former company. Manufacturing was located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, home
territory for over 75 years.
Thirty-five years later in 2016, still under Crates third-generation ownership and management, another major
move was set in place. Crates Leather joined in an exclusive licensing arrangement with long-time saddlery
manufacturer, Fabtron, Inc., of Maryville, Tennessee USA and owners Stan and Brad Headrick, whereby Fabtron
has exclusive license to manufacture and market Crates branded products world-wide. While maintaining two
separate companies, Fabtron and Crates will team together to offer innovative equestrian products with an eye to
the future, as private family owned and operated MADE IN TENNESSEE, USA organizations.
www.CratesLeather.com • 844-678-8351
www.fabtron.com • 800-654-2321
Crates Leather products are exclusively manufactured and marketed by