Great Lakes Wire

A producer of sustainable outdoor footwear will relocate its headquarters from Portland, Oregon, to Grand Rapids.

According to a news release by the governor’s office, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) made the announcement last month with the HOLO Footwear relocation having the backing of the Michigan Strategic Fund.

“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,” Gov. 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 said she would continue working on bipartisan efforts that have helped MEDC bring more jobs to the state that included a $7 billion GM investment that will produce 4,000 jobs and $2 billion Ford investment that would produce 3,200 jobs.    

“Congratulations to the entire HOLO team on your continued growth and success. We’re pleased to welcome you to Michigan, and we appreciate your vote of confidence in our state and in our workforce,” Quentin Messer Jr., CEO of the MEDC and president and chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund, said. “This project is a win for West Michigan and for the entire state. We are grateful to the governor and legislators for the continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program. We’re proud to join our partners at The Right Place and the city of Grand Rapids as we celebrate HOLO’s new headquarters. We look forward to working together to add jobs and provide greater opportunity for our friends and neighbors.”

According to the release, HOLO will transfer its operations to a move-in ready building located in downtown Grand Rapids by investing $1.5 million of which the Michigan Business Development Program will provide a $250,000 grant based on incentives.  

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