Footwear Industries of Tennessee

Footwear Industries of Tennessee Inc. (FIT) is a fashion and manufacturing startup based in Knoxville, TN, founded in 2013. The company specializes in producing high-quality leather boots for work, duty, and Western style. As a division of the Merchant House International Group, which has over 30 years of experience in footwear manufacturing, FIT has established itself as a key player in the industry. The company's operations span across multiple locations, with three shoe factories in Tianjin, China, and plans to expand its capacity to over five million pairs of shoes annually. As a supplier to major retail chains such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, and Sears, FIT has received accolades such as "Supplier of the Year" multiple times. The company's focus on "re-shoring" production to the US reflects a commitment to sustainable manufacturing and creating job opportunities in America. FIT's strategic choice of Tennessee as its operational base is driven by the state's central location and robust transport infrastructure, coupled with a skilled workforce in Jefferson City. The company's recent production launch with 50 workers is just the beginning, as it plans to triple its workforce in the next three years. With plans to cater not only to the US market but also to export to Canada, Australia, and other countries, FIT is well-positioned for growth and expansion. In summary, Footwear Industries of Tennessee Inc. exemplifies a promising venture with a strong foothold in the industry, backed by a seasoned parent company and a strategic approach to sustainable and agile manufacturing.