Las Toscas, a town in the province of Santa Fe, has always been linked to Curtiembre Arlei, the largest industrial plant in the area and a source of employment for many families. Recently, however, tensions have been building, fueled by an article in a local newspaper claiming alleged environmental problems and health risks. In the face of these allegations, Arlei firmly denied any charges, calling the accusations “false and malicious” in a statement and stressing their extraneousness to any local political game.

The reasons

Arlei, one of Argentina’s most important tanneries, has always been a key economic engine for the city and surrounding municipalities, with more than 1,200 families directly dependent on work at the company. Current production amounts to around 4,000 processed hides per day. In recent months, the local press has raised accusations against the tannery, which can be summarized as economic and socio-environmental mismanagement. Las Toscas Multimedio described an unhealthy workplace for employees and the surrounding community, but despite the serious tone of the article, the newspaper makes it clear that it doesn’t intend on directly linking the tannery’s activities to a specific increase in illnesses, but to highlight certain reasons for anxiety and uncertainty among many citizens.

Arlei denies allegations

Faced with these allegations, Arlei decided to make a very clear statement. The company called the information spread by Las Toscas Multimedio false, adding that they are aimed at damaging its image, that of its managers and its business. This tannery also stressed that it has no involvement in local political affairs (since the article mentioned an election year) and that it has always maintained a position of neutrality with respect to municipal conflicts. The company also reiterated its strict compliance with environmental and health regulations, locally, nationally and internationally. The statement also stated the firm intends on taking all necessary legal action to stop the spread of news deemed defamatory, thereby protecting its reputation and seeking compensation for any damages.

Photo Curtiembre Arlei