ROCKFORD — Wolverine World Wide Inc.’s Bates Footwear division got word today that it had secured a $6 million U.S. Army contract.

Under the contract, Bates will produce 64,000 pairs of the new Mountain Combat boot for the U.S. Army over the next six months at its plant in Big Rapids, Mich., about an hour north of Grand Rapids. The plant currently employs 641 people.

“This is a relatively new product for the Army, and we are pleased they have chosen Bates based on our quality performance and ability to respond to the short-term delivery schedules required under these contracts,” Mike Stornant, vice president and general manager of Bates, said in a statement.

The company currently is working on more than $15 million in contracts for the Army alone. Bates is also producing the Army Hot Weather Mountain Combat Boots.

“It’s quite significant for one year from one branch (of the military),” Julie McCauley, the marketing manager for Bates, told MiBiz.

Combined, the Army contracts will result in Bates making more than 180,000 pairs of boots, she said.

McCauley said the company doesn’t believe it will have to add any new positions because of the newest contract.