HdG Boot Manufacturer Honored By Maryland Comptroller

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — A boot manufacturer in Havre de Grace was recently honored with an award for its investment in innovation.

Dunlop Protective Footwear received the 2017 Bright Lights Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot this week.

The shoemaker produces more than 1 million boots a year at its facility on Clark Road. The safety boots are geared toward food processing, oil and gas, industrial and agricultural workers and are sold in sporting goods stores and to military/law enforcement customers, officials say.

Dunlop is expanding to become the first high-pressure polyurethane footwear producer in the U.S.

The company announced in March that it was investing millions of dollars into expanding production at its facility and adding 15 employees, according to a statement from the city of Havre de Grace.

Dunlop purchased a new machine worth more than $1 million to produce polyurethane footwear, and the new employees are required to operate the machine, according to the Baltimore Business Journal, which reported the polyurethane boots will cost between $110 and $150.

The special "Purofoot" boot uses evenly distributed air bubbles to reduce walking weight.

“We are extremely honored..." Dunlop Protective Footwear General Manager Mary Steinebrunner said in a statement about the 2017 Bright Lights Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The recognition goes to companies that strengthen Maryland’s economy in new ways.

According to Steinebrunner, Dunlop's investment in American manufacturing will "better serve our customers, and most importantly provide America’s workforce the safety and comfort they deserve."

Currently, Dunlop employs 105 people at its Clark Road facility, and the manager said the goal is to keep growing. Said Steinebrunner: "We have plans for continued investments and advancements for our product line, employees and manufacturing facility."

Pictured, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot and Dunlop General Manager Mary Steinebrunner. Photo Credit: Harford County Office of Economic Development.