TINA l. SCOTT
MMC STAFF

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, the Merrill Common Council approved a resolution authorizing a development agreement by and between the City of Merrill and Weinbrenner Shoe Company.
As part of the resolution, Weinbrenner has agreed to purchase the vacant former Hurd property, consisting of two existing buildings and an approximately 18-acre parcel on South Genesee St., and to repurpose the premises in order to expand their boot manufacturing operations here in Merrill.
“This new facility is a natural extension of the existing Weinbrenner facility on South Polk Street given its close proximity to the existing facility,” said City Administrator David Johnson.
As part of the agreement, Weinbrenner Shoe Company will receive an incentive payment not to exceed $300,000 for the manufacturing redevelopment project. The incentive will be divided into two payments of $150,000 each. One will follow the completion of the roof improvement, and the other will follow electrical and building mechanical system improvements to the existing 120,000 sq. foot facility and subsequent implementation of manufacturing operations.
“Closing on the purchase is scheduled for March 1, 2021,” Johnson says.
According to information released by the City, the acquisition and upgrades to the property could add up to 20 new manufacturing jobs at the Merrill facility. Weinbrenner has yet to release any information regarding the purchase; however, according to an email from company president, Jeff Burns, last week, the company is expected to issue a statement later this month.