The company will use renewable energy, recycled materials, advanced molding and shoe recycling technologies. They’re hiring.
The Mississippi Development Authority has announced that Shloop, a startup footwear manufacturer, is opening a sustainable manufacturing facility in Meridian.
The project is a $9 million investment and will create 56 jobs.
“Shloop is another fantastic example of a Mississippi-grown company bringing innovation to the global marketplace,” Governor Tate Reeves stated in a release. “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.”
MDA says 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.
“Shloop is a sustainable footwear innovation and manufacturing company that will reduce the harmful environmental and societal impacts of footwear manufacturing,” Ryan Hunt, COO and Co-Founder of Shloop, stated. “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.”
Remodeling and opening the downtown building are part of plans to help revitalize downtown Meridian and promote community development and engagement.
“It is exciting to have Shloop located in downtown Meridian. This new business not only brings investments and jobs to our city, but it also gives new life to a building that has a great history,” Meridian Mayor Jimmie Smith said. “The city of Meridian looks forward to working with Ryan Hunt and other Shloop leadership as the company grows.”
Shloop is working with Meridian Community College’s Workforce Development Center for the training and education of artisans and technicians for the footwear industry. Shloop is presently seeking individuals with technical or hand-crafting skills to fill the new jobs.
Learn more about Shloop here.
