A move to bring manufacturing back to rural America took a step forward Wednesday with the grand opening of OriginUSA in the heart of downtown Farmington. Committed to 100 percent Made in the USA from field to factory, fiber to finished product, OriginUSA manufactures and globally distributes training gear and lifestyle apparel to 17,000 customers worldwide. Owner Pete Roberts shows a shirt commissioned for July 4, one showing Washington riding a rattler with martial artists on the side. It is all about “bringing back manufacturing from overseas,” he said. The factory expanded from 6,000 square feet in Industry to 20,000 square feet in a former Central Maine Power building. Two hundred sewing machines, automated cutting machines were purchased as part of a $1 million machinery investment. Roberts, who grew up in New Sharon, expects 100 percent increase in growth over the next five years and the new space to one day become offices, he said. 

Pete Roberts, president of OriginUSA, leads a tour of the company’s new space in downtown Farmington on Wednesday.  A grand opening included tours and a pig roast. Origin BJJ, LCC, founded in 2011, manufactured jujitsu and combat sports apparel in Industry. Committed to 100 percent Made in the USA, the company buys cotton from Tennessee, weaves the fabric, cuts and sews the products. Roberts purchased the new space at 125 High St., renovated, added machinery and a Pro Shop featuring products created in Maine.

Jon Milan, OriginUSA’s first employee, third from right, shows community members a weaving machine during a tour of the company’s new space in Farmington on Wednesday. Dedicated to bringing back manufacturing, owner Pete Roberts  is committed to 100 percent Made in the USA from field to finished product. Cotton is purchased from Tennessee, fabric weaved, cut and sewn into jujitsu and combat sports apparel, the only such manufacturer in North America. One weaving loom came from the Bates Mill in Lewiston; another is from a Bangor textile mill.

OriginUSA President Pete Roberts, at podium, recently merged with Jocko Industries. He announced the merger during a grand opening Wednesday of the newly expanded OriginUSA factory in downtown Farmington. Jocko Willink, a Navy SEAL team commander, best selling author, business owner and management consultant listens to Roberts.

Pete Roberts, left, invited partners and family to join in a ribbon-cutting Wednesday during the grand opening of OriginUSA in downtown Farmington. Robert’s father-in-law, Joe Paradis of Industry, prepares to cut the ribbon. The company expanded from a 6,000-square-foot factory in Industry to a 20,000-square-foot space at 125 High St. that was originally built by Central Maine Power to house trucks and equipment. Roberts said he is committed to bringing manufacturing back to the United States.