Grand Rapids Reporter

Grand Rapids will soon be home to a manufacturer of sustainable outdoor footwear that has decided to relocate operations to the city.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) made the announcement last month, with the HOLO Footwear relocation having the backing of the Michigan Strategic Fund; a recent press release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office said. 

“HOLO Footwear’s headquarters is a great addition to the city of Grand Rapids,” Jeremiah Garcia, the City’s director of Economic Development, said in the release. “We appreciate HOLO’s commitment to making outdoor gear accessible for everyone and using recycled and renewable materials in its manufacturing processes. Its ownership and environmental sustainability practices are precisely the types of companies we are looking to attract to Grand Rapids and the region.”

HOLO will transfer its operations to a move-in ready building located in downtown Grand Rapids and invest $1.5 million, the release said. The Michigan Business Development Program will also provide a $250,000 grant based on incentives.  

“Today’s investment from HOLO Footwear will create 61 good-paying jobs in West Michigan and help our state’s economy keep putting one foot in front of the other,” Whitmer said in the release. “My administration has been focused on growing our economy, creating jobs and investing in every region of Michigan. HOLO Footwear’s investment in Michigan is possible because of economic development funding authorized by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or MEDC.”

Whitmer also noted she would continue working on bipartisan efforts that have helped MEDC bring more jobs to the state, which included a $7 billion GM investment that produced 4,000 jobs and a $2 billion Ford investment that produced 3,200 jobs.    

“Michigan is excited to welcome HOLO and look forward to a successful partnership going forward,” Brad Garmon, director of Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. “The outdoor recreation industry is not only a foundational part of Michigan’s lifestyle, it’s also a huge piece of our current and future economy – representing nearly $10 billion in value-add GDP each year, including nearly $1.2 billion directly from specific outdoor recreation goods manufacturing. With our deep pool of talented designers and the state’s commitment to advanced manufacturing, sustainable materials, and innovation in apparel and footwear, HOLO will find itself in good company in West Michigan.”