Rocky Shoes & Boots, Inc. has announced plans to consolidate operations following the company’s recent acquisition of EJ Footwear. The plan will include the relocation of the Lehigh division headquarters in Vestal, N.Y.
The Company plans to relocate key management of the Lehigh division to Rocky’s headquarters in Nelsonville, Ohio, and other Lehigh employees in the customer service department to EJ Footwear’s offices in Nashville, Tenn. Distribution of all shipments of Lehigh products is managed from a separate location, so Lehigh customers will see no changes to the supply and delivery channel.
“Although this was a difficult decision, we believe that relocating the Lehigh headquarters is in the best interests of the long-term health of our Company,” stated Mike Brooks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rocky Shoes & Boots. “I would like to personally thank everyone in Vestal for their contributions to the success of the brand over the years. Lehigh is a leader in the safety and occupational footwear category and continues to be a key part of our growth strategy for the newly combined Rocky and EJ entity. We move forward with a strong portfolio of leading brands and a management team focused on the many opportunities that lie ahead.”
The offices are expected to close by approximately July 1, 2005. All eligible employees who do not participate in the relocation process will be offered severance and assistance with finding new employment.
