Business Briefs: Boot maker relocates to state

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Boot maker relocates to state

Footwear division of the Merchant House International Group will open its first U.S. footwear manufacturing facility in Jefferson County, replacing the footwear line from its headquarters in Tianjin, China.

Merchant House International will invest $5.4 million and create 109 new jobs at a new 40,000-square-foot building in the Jefferson City Industrial Park. The new plant will manufacture Merchant's line of men's leather boots and shoes.

The operation, to be known as Footwear Industries of Tennessee, Inc. (FIT), will begin shipping footwear in March 2014.

Planet Fitness helps hospital

Planet Fitness Chattanooga is partnering with Children's Hospital Foundation to raise funds for the Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon. Throughout September, all proceeds from new $10 gym membership signup fees will be donated to the program at T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital program.

"The partnership with Children's Hospital Foundation was a natural fit, as they utilize their resources to ensure the health and well-being of local youth," said Kira Ehly, Planet Fitness Chattanooga franchise owner.