April 15, 2019

For Immediate Release

WEINBRENNER SHOE COMPANY ENTERS EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP WITH LION
MERRILL, WI –Weinbrenner Shoe Company, employee-owned manufacturer of Thorogood brand footwear and LION First Responder PPE, Inc., manufacturer of first responder protective equipment (PPE) have entered into a long-term strategic partnership that leverages the strengths of both companies.

Beginning May 1st, 2019, LION Fire Boots by Thorogood will be the exclusive certified boot offering for Structural Firefighting and Wildland/EMS boots. Weinbrenner Shoe Company, Inc. will continue to manufacture and design their complete line of occupational footwear along with Thorogood fire boots, while LION will have responsibility for all sales and marketing of the fire boot category. The initial twelve-style assortment of fire boots, previously sold by Weinbrenner Shoe Company will be sold and marketed exclusively through LION via the combined distribution partners of both companies in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

“The distribution agreement between LION and Thorogood brings two fire industry powerhouse brands together. Collectively, we will deliver a variety of certified footwear for the fire service. We look forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship for many years to come,” Patrick Miner, President of Weinbrenner Shoe Company.

“This strategic partnership allows LION to offer a comprehensive line of footwear to meet the wide-ranging needs of the fire service. We are excited to expand our overall PPE offering with a wonderful assortment of certified fire boots from Thorogood through the combined distribution partners of both companies.” Mark Smith, Senior Vice President of LION.

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About Weinbrenner Shoe Company
Founded in 1892, Weinbrenner Shoe Company, an employee-owned company headquartered in Merrill, WI USA, continues to live out the vision of our founder, Albert H Weinbrenner, to design and manufacture a complete line of Thorogood branded work, uniform, fire, military, outdoor and lifestyle footwear. The company operates in many channels worldwide, including wholesale sales – both online and retail, along with government agency and international sales that span into Asia, Europe, Caribbean, Middle East and Australia.

About LION
Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, LION is a family-owned company with a legacy and ongoing vision of introducing new products and services designed to ensure the health, safety and performance of first responders worldwide. From game-changing personal protective equipment (PPE) and professional gear maintenance to state-of-the-art fire safety training tools and facilities, it is LION’s mission to make sure that you’re READY FOR ACTION — before, during and after. To learn more, visit www.lionprotects.com.

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