Shloop, a startup footwear manufacturer, is opening a sustainable manufacturing facility in Meridian, Mississippi. The project is a $9 million investment and will create 56 jobs.
The footwear factory will be housed in a circa 1930’s bakery building comprising 30,000 square feet of space in downtown Meridian and will manufacture footwear in a more sustainable manner using renewable energy, recycled materials, advanced molding and shoe recycling technologies.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance with building renovations and upgrades. The city of Meridian and Lauderdale County also will provide assistance.
Remodeling and opening the downtown building are part of plans to help revitalize downtown Meridian and promote community development and engagement. Shloop is working with Meridian Community College’s Workforce Development Center for the training and education of artisans and technicians for the footwear industry.
Ryan Hunt, COO and Co-founder of Shloop stated, “Shloop is a sustainable footwear innovation and manufacturing company that will reduce the harmful environmental and societal impacts of footwear manufacturing. Through research, education and training of sustainable footwear production techniques and recycling options, we can stimulate the local economy through the creation of new career opportunities for artisans, designers, and technicians.”
Shloop is presently seeking individuals with technical or hand-crafting skills to fill the new jobs.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves stated, “Shloop is another fantastic example of a Mississippi-grown company bringing innovation to the global marketplace. Entrepreneurs like the team at Shloop are key to the dynamic economic environment in Mississippi that is driving manufacturing and job creation. I greatly look forward to seeing their continued success and expansion in Meridian.”
Mississippi Development Authority’s Deputy Executive Director Laura Hipp said, “Shloop’s investment is a great indicator of our state’s support of innovative startups. MDA is glad to assist Shloop as it creates jobs in Lauderdale County, and we thank the company for helping encourage a culture of innovation that is efficient and effective across our state.”
Bill Hannah, President/CEO of East Mississippi Business Development Corporation said, “Meridian and Lauderdale County continue to benefit from having many locally owned existing industries. Shloop is another example of local industry leaders choosing again to invest in our community and to employ our citizens. Thank you to the owners of Shloop. We look forward to growing with you.”
About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the state’s lead economic and community development agency. MDA focuses on new business recruitment, existing business expansion, workforce training, and tourism promotion. For more information, visit MDA’s website at mississippi.org.
Contact:
Joseph McCain
Public Relations
Office (601) 359-6400
Cell: (662) 803-5236
jmccain@mississippi.org