PORTSMOUTH, R.I. — March 12, 2019 — Textile supplier Brand and Oppenheimer Co. Inc. has announced today that a name change is in order. Brand and Oppenheimer Co. Inc. is becoming Ocean State Innovations (OSI).
“In consideration of our corporate strategy and our deep roots in Rhode Island, we feel our identity is best associated with the Ocean State,” said CEO Edward Ricci, a Rhode Island native. “The Brand and Oppenheimer brand represented stability and quality within a very specific segment of the textile space. Today we offer a broader scope of innovative textile expertise and needed a moniker to represent who we are.”
Owned by 1947 LLC and Praesidian Capital, Ocean State Innovations is a growing textile company with 35 employees, all dedicated to building upon the company’s heritage and leadership within the textile industry. OSI maintains a tradition of quality textiles with a refocused message. A new logo and marketing message have been created — “Textile Solutions” —which is now part of Ocean State Innovations’ corporate identity. “This name change better reflects the current and future direction of our growing company,” Ricci added.
Founded in 1913 as Brand and Oppenheimer Company (B&O) as a supplier of garment linings, the company celebrates a rich history in the textile industry. In October 2011, Praesidian Capital and StoneCreek Capital LLC became investors. In 2014 Brand & Oppenheimer acquired Performance Textiles, a US textiles supplier. In 2015 B&O entered into an equity partnership with 1947 LLC’s management team; Ed Ricci, Ben Galpen, and Bryan Boulis, all industry experts with over 100 years of combined experience. The 1947 LLC Management team has grown the business through organic sales, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions. In 2017 B&O acquired the assets of Cutting Edge TexStyles, a global supplier of Bindings, Trims and Piece Goods. In 2018 B&O acquired the assets of General Fabrics Inc., a global designer and wholesale distributor of quilting fabrics. In 2019, Brand and Oppenheimer became OSI to continue the tradition of quality textiles, while focusing on the company’s innovative industry expertise and strong Rhode Island roots. OSI, based in Portsmouth, has distinguished itself as the premier global source for textile products and services. Ocean State Innovations continues as a leader in the textile industry for the U.S. Military and is now bringing that same innovative textile expertise to many commercial market segments such as medical, industrial, automotive and traditional apparel.
Posted March 12, 2019
Source: Ocean State Innovations
