OPR

OPR OPR is dedicated to providing high quality rope products and superior customer service.

Call us or visit our retail store in Mathews, VA for any of your rope needs!

Meet the man who started it all, Robert Carey “Bobbie” Hutson. In the 1960s, Bobbie began building what would become Oce...
08/19/2026

Meet the man who started it all, Robert Carey “Bobbie” Hutson.

In the 1960s, Bobbie began building what would become Ocean Products Research, establishing the foundation of the family business we know today.

More than 60 years later, OPR remains family-owned and continues to build on the knowledge, and relationships built all those years.

From one generation to the next, the rope may change-but the commitment doesn’t.

So many people have been apart of the OPR story over the years. If you have a favorite memory or story of Bobbie; we’d love for you to share it below.

If you have called, emailed, or visited OPR, chances are you’ve worked with Sawyer. As President of Ocean Products Resea...
07/24/2026

If you have called, emailed, or visited OPR, chances are you’ve worked with Sawyer.

As President of Ocean Products Research, Sawyer grew up around ropes, splicing, and problem solving. What started as a family business over 60 years ago continues today with the same commitment to quality and customer service.

His favorite part of the job? Seeing the team get excited about new projects and opportunities.

His favorite part of the day? Coming home to his girls to spend quality time together.

We’re excited to share more of the people, projects, and craftsmanship behind OPR. Thanks for following along!

OPR History!For decades after the Vietnam War, OPR manufactured tow lines for Airborne Mine Countermeasures (mine sweepi...
07/16/2026

OPR History!

For decades after the Vietnam War, OPR manufactured tow lines for Airborne Mine Countermeasures (mine sweeping via helicopter) for the US Navy.

These lines consisted of double braid nylon with custom socketed terminations developed to integrate with the magnetic sled towed over the surface. (Pictures of our samples below).

Being 800' in length, OPR would shut down the nearest stretch of straight roadway and communicate over walkie to proof test these assemblies.

Today, the use of Airborne Countermeasures has been eliminated by improved technology, however, the knowledge and inspiration gained at OPR has not gone away.

Recently OPR hosted a group of US Coast Guard personnel for a tour of the shop, to talk about rope applications, and (th...
07/10/2026

Recently OPR hosted a group of US Coast Guard personnel for a tour of the shop, to talk about rope applications, and (the most fun of all) to witness some break testing. We love getting the chance to spread industry knowledge to end users and this crew was full of great questions!

Multiple R&D samples were lined up for break testing and a new splicer needed certifying, so fibers were flying!

Next time you visit Williams Warf, check out the new safety lines installed by OPR team members Joey Dixon, Harrison Cul...
05/05/2026

Next time you visit Williams Warf, check out the new safety lines installed by OPR team members Joey Dixon, Harrison Cullison, and Sam Hutson!

Safe, corrosion resistant, and good looking!

It helps to have a nice landing zone when your customer wants to pick up via Helo🚁Over the years OPR has had the FBI and...
05/05/2026

It helps to have a nice landing zone when your customer wants to pick up via Helo🚁

Over the years OPR has had the FBI and Homeland Security land to pick up products (mostly Fast Ropes), but recently we had a commercial customer come to get a few hundred pounds of S-Hooks and Welded Rings. I guess when you can fly, why make a few hour drive?

This made for a nice end to the day as everyone looked on. Just another day in the life!

05/05/2026

Despite rising freight and material costs, we are lowering our prices on Franklin Braid Crab Line! 🦀

#6: $36.00 / 1000'
#7: $43.00 / 1000'
#8: $55.00 / 1000'
#9: $62.00 / 1000'
#10: $75.00 / 1000'
#12: $110.00 / 1000'
#14: $131.00 / 1000'
#16: $139.00 / 700'

Additional 10% off for purchases of 5+ spools.

Address

19 Butts Lane
Diggs, VA
23045

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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