About Us

Your Trusted Supplier of Synthetic Fiber Rope and Rigging Solutions

We at Ocean Products Research (OPR) believe in more than just crafting high-quality rope and net assemblies—we believe in creating solutions that last. For over six decades, we’ve been a trusted name in the government/military, commercial marine, utility, commercial fishing, and other industrial sectors, providing top-quality rigging solutions. But what truly sets us apart is our deep-rooted commitment to our people, our partners, and our community. Our mission is to deliver unmatched quality and expertise that strengthens the industries and communities we serve.

Our Story

A Legacy of Innovation and Hard Work

The story of OPR starts with Robert Carey "Bobbie" Hutson, a man with a vision and a deep love for the sea. Born in 1927, Bobby grew up in Mathews County, where life revolved around the water. Like many young men of his time, he joined the Merchant Marines right after high school, eager to explore the world. His travels took him across Africa, South America, and beyond, fueling his passion for adventure.

Bobby’s career led him to Paxton Company of Norfolk, a distributor for Samson Ocean Systems. He later worked directly for Samson before deciding to start his own Samson distributorship. In 1954, he moved back to Mathews, selling rope out of the trunk of his 1956 Plymouth while field-testing products for commercial fishing and marine applications.

Through the 1960s and 70s, OPR played a key role in high-stakes projects, including a top-secret Navy contract for 800 ft. lines used to detonate mines in North Vietnam harbors via helicopter. In 1964, he invented the helicopter reach pendant, models of which are a few of our staple military products. This pendant made cargo movement and replenishment at sea safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective for the government. Despite these milestones, Bobby always saw OPR as more than just a business—he viewed it as an R&D hub for new products rather than just a traditional manufacturer.

By 1973, OPR had grown to five full-time employees, yet Bobby wrestled with the challenge of scaling a small business in a competitive industry. But through innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to quality, OPR continued to thrive.

Today, that same pioneering spirit lives on. From commercial fishing to high-performance industrial rigging, we remain dedicated to providing the best solutions while staying true to our roots.

Meet the Experts Behind OPR

OPR is a team of 15 people who are dedicated to making an impact in the community. 

Sawyer Hutson
President

Sawyer Hutson grew up immersed in the family business, gaining invaluable experience from a young age. After graduating with an engineering degree from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Sawyer brought his expertise and passion back to the company.

Jimmy Hall
Industrial Sales and Quality Manager

With over 50 years of experience in the rope industry, Jimmy Hall is a seasoned expert in synthetic rope and rigging applications. His extensive knowledge and dedication to excellence make him an invaluable asset to our team.

Joey Dixon
Commercial Fishing Sales Manager

Joey Dixon is our dedicated Commercial Fishing Sales Manager, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for customer service to our team. With a background in retail sales, customer service, and boat salvage and recovery, Joey's expertise is both broad and deep.

Kris Selph
Head of Shipping/Receiving

Kris Selph brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our team, having been with the company for 25 years. Starting at I-Coopers Marine, a former subsidiary, Kris has grown alongside our company and now leads our Shipping and Receiving Department with exceptional skill and efficiency.

Connie Hudgins
Office Manager

Connie Hudgins has been a cornerstone of our company for over 36 years. As our dedicated Office Manager, she oversees both accounts payable and accounts receivable with unmatched precision and care.

Harrison Cullison
Production Manager

Harrison Cullison is our exceptional Production Manager, known for his extensive knowledge of rope splicing and his unwavering commitment to his team. With a focus on ensuring that the production team has everything they need to succeed, Harrison is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Our Partners