About MKS Exports
Preserving the artisanal tradition of Indian leather craft — one Fair Trade partnership at a time.
MKS is a second-generation, women-led leather goods manufacturer based in Kolkata, India. What started as a small society to help local artisans has grown into a certified export house trusted by brands across three continents.
1994
Founded
30+
Years of craft
Kolkata
India
WFTO
Guaranteed member
SEDEX
5-Pillar Ethical Audit — Compliant
Labour standards, health & safety, environment, business ethics, supply chain
WFTO
Guaranteed Fair Trade Organisation
Highest level of Fair Trade certification since 2015
ISO 9001
Quality Management Systems
Internationally recognised quality control framework
BSCI
Business Social Compliance Initiative
Supply chain social performance monitoring
Where it all
began.
“Our mission is to create job opportunities for economically disadvantaged groups, helping them lead decent lives.”
Mithu Dam, Founder
The Beginning
In November 1994, Mithu Dam registered Madhya Kalikata Shilpangan — MKS — as a society in Kolkata. The mission was singular: help local cottage and small-scale industries access overseas markets while paying artisans fairly. It was a small operation — a handful of craftspeople, a rented space, and a conviction that Fair Trade could change lives.
Growth & Recognition
By 1997 MKS became a WFTO member. In 2006 we established our own manufacturing facility, and by 2008 we had purchased our own building — a permanent home for the workshop and the growing team. In 2015, we achieved Guaranteed WFTO Member status, the highest level of Fair Trade certification available.
The Mission Today
Three decades on, the mission has not changed. We still exist to create job opportunities for economically disadvantaged sections of society, to preserve and promote traditional Indian crafts, and to empower women and physically challenged individuals through regular, dignified employment. We now partner with brands across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Our vision for
the future.
Fair Trade is not a label for us — it is the reason we exist. Every decision points toward the same horizon.
- 01
Establishing a larger leather goods facility meeting WFTO standards
- 02
Building an ISO-compliant, environment-friendly factory
- 03
Creating a rehabilitation centre for disadvantaged populations
- 04
Providing vocational training and support services
- 05
Using eco-friendly, certified sustainable materials (OEKO-TEX, LWG, GRS)
- 06
Upcycling and recycling waste materials to reduce our carbon footprint
The people behind the craft.
A tight-knit leadership team, many of whom have been with MKS for over a decade.
Mithu Dam
Founder & Managing Director
Ashish Ghosh
Textile Manager
Aparna Das
Leather Products Manager
Ananta Goswami
Accounts Manager
Subhendu Chakraborty
Export Manager
Arnab Dhar
Shanti Product Manager
Archi Dam
Marketing Executive
What our partners
say about us.
“MKS has been a like-minded partner from the very first beginning — a grass-roots and pioneer organisation dedicated to Fair Trade.”
El Puente
Germany
“Our partnership is much more than professional — with daily communication and weekly problem-solving calls, we've built something lasting.”
Equo Mercato
Italy
“They are like family. After over ten years collaborating on hundreds of leather, silk, and canvas products, their care, attention to detail and helpfulness never wavers.”
NV London Calcutta
UK
“MKS is a valued long term partner. They always provide excellent communication and deliver quality product that our customers love.”
SERRV International
USA
Ready to make something together?
Whether you're a brand looking for a manufacturing partner or just curious about what we do — we'd love to hear from you.