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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Shloop Establishes Meridian, Mississippi, Operations

01/12/2023
Shloop Inc., a startup footwear manufacturer, will open a manufacturing facility in Meridian, Mississippi. The $9 million project is expected to create 56 jobs.

The new factory will be housed in a circa 1930’s bakery building comprising 30,000-square-feet of space in downtown and will manufacture footwear 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. 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,” explained Ryan Hunt, COO and Co-founder.

As an incentive, the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is providing assistance with building renovations and upgrades. The city of Meridian and Lauderdale County also will provide assistance.

“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,” noted MDA Deputy Executive Director Laura Hipp.

Shloop is working with Meridian Community College’s Workforce Development Center for the training and education of artisans and technicians for the footwear industry.

“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,” Bill Hannah, President/CEO, East Mississippi Business Development Corporation said.

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