'Twenty years ago, we were one regional facility supplying leather parts,' Sumpter said. 'We've evolved into a global force -- 19 facilities on four continents, supplying leather for the most recognized brands in the world. The next phase is our transformation into a complete premier leather solutions provider for every interior component.' Pat Oldenkamp, Eagle Ottawa's vice president of design, visits fashion shows around the globe and rummages through the best boutiques searching for color, style and stitching. She envisions a day in the near future when customers will order personalized colors and styles for their seats and dashboards, much as customers now build personalized athletic shoes through www.nikeID.com. 'Interiors are setting cars apart in this competitive environment,' Oldenkamp said, noting the company's latest offerings would be unveiled over the next year to 500 designers and material engineering experts. 'It is our role to differentiate, providing more customized leather for every application. Customers want unique car interiors. We're showing there are more options that include leather.' David Caldwell, public relations manager for Cadillac Motor Division, said leather counts mightily in the plans of the upscale GM brand. 'Luxury consumer expectations are rising when it comes to execution of things like leather in seats,' he said. 'They want authentic materials that look and feel luxurious.' The intensive focus on customers such as Cadillac has helped Eagle Ottawa to earn an expected $550 million for 2008, down slightly from $600 million in 2007. The company has won numerous awards, including this year's Excellent Value Improvement Award from Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, and is the only automotive leather supplier named as a 2007 General Motors Supplier of the Year. Eagle Ottawa ranks among the oldest automotive leather suppliers in the world. Eagle Tanning Works was founded in 1865 in Whitehall, producing leather for the horse and buggy trade. By 1910 it had moved to Detroit to make products for automotive seats. In 1916 it merged with Ottawa Leather Co. and became known as Eagle Ottawa Leather Co. What's the next domain? Green designs, Sumpter said. Its organically tanned leather is 100 percent biodegradable. 'Leather is the ultimate recycled product,' he said, because byproducts from the beef industry become seats for the masses. Maureen McDonald is a Metro Detroit freelance writer.