ROCKFORD, MI (March 23, 2016) — Bates® Footwear, a division of Wolverine Worldwide, announced today it has been awarded a contract to manufacture Temperate Weather boots for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) under a new five year U.S. Government contract.
“I applaud today’s announcement, which will support jobs in Big Rapids, further diversify Michigan’s manufacturing sector, and help keep U.S. Marines safe with quality, reliable footwear,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI). “I also commend Bates Footwear for its unwavering commitment to serving military strong.”
The Bates Temperate Boot
Although the Temperate Weather boot will be a new production line for Bates Footwear in 2016, the boot itself is not unfamiliar to the USMC as Bates produced a similar Temperate Weather boot from to 2007 to 2014. Each boot is constructed with Vibram® “Sierra” soles to provide superior grip with increased longevity. The boots will be manufactured in Big Rapids, Michigan and will be constructed of 100% American-made materials.
U.S. Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI) said, “Michigan has a history of providing our servicemen and servicewomen with reliable high quality footwear. I am proud to see the U.S. Marine Corps continue this tradition by choosing to outfit our Marines with boots made in West Michigan. It is vital that the men and women serving in our Armed Forces have access to the best equipment available. In terms of footwear, that means having military boots manufactured by Bates.”
“We are very proud to once again provide the United States Marine Corps with a dependable, enduring Temperate Weather Boot. Bates remains committed to upholding the values of the United States Department of Defense and the Marine Corps,” said Andrew Fowler, Vice President and General Manager, Bates Footwear.
U.S. Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI) said, “I congratulate all the hardworking men and women at Bates for winning the Marines contract. This is wonderful news for Big Rapids and for manufacturing in Michigan. Marines have been wearing Bates products for decades and this contract means they will be wearing the world’s best boots for another five years.”
ABOUT BATES FOOTWEAR
With a reputation for uncompromising performance in uniform footwear, Bates Footwear has been an industry leading tactical footwear brand for more than 130 years. As the leading supplier of uniform footwear to all branches of the United States military, Bates prides itself on providing footwear vested in superior protection and comfort. Engineered advancements such as Endurance Performance System, Code 6, Bates Individual Comfort System and Bates DuraShocks® set the brand apart and cement its status as the gold standard in uniform footwear. For more information and to view the product lines visit www.batesfootwear.com.
ABOUT WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE
With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world’s leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. The Company’s portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Merrell®, Hush Puppies®, Wolverine®, Sebago®, Chaco®, Bates®, HYTEST®, and Soft Style®. The Company also is the global footwear licensee of popular brands including CAT® and Harley-Davidson®. The Company’s products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in more than 190 countries and territories. For additional information, please visit www.wolverineworldwide.com.