From trying to convince friends and family to support his vision just over ten years ago, to building one of the country's fastest growing private companies, Roberts says the path hasn't been easy but the mission is clear. "Machines, jobs, and our self-sufficiency were shipped overseas but we are bringing it back!" explains Roberts.
Throughout Maine, where ORIGIN is headquartered, factories abandoned in favor of cheaper overseas labor still stand in ruins as a reminder of what Roberts calls "runaway capitalism and corporate greed." lost 5.8 million manufacturing jobs and 57,000 manufacturing firms closed their operations. Compounding these damages, many traditional "Made-in-the- USA brands" started to outsource with overseas manufacturing to increase profit margin. Most notably, GATT reform and World Trade Organization PNTR status for China in 2000 – which sparked periods of severely escalated trade deficits. "We want the them to know that wearing ORIGIN jeans or apparel is not just the latest fashion trend – it represents American jobs, innovation, craftsmanship, and a return to pride in 'Made in the USA.'"Ĭommunities across the country, that used to be hubs of American production, have suffered the impacts of globalization and trade policies since the late 70's and 80's. "We start with people – from the American farmer who grows the cotton, to the communities where we operate our cut and sew factories, and all the way through to the end consumer," explains Roberts, who wants consumers to know that their purchase means more.
"I used to be part of the problem," explains Fulks about his new role, "and now I can be part of the solution." Recalling his earlier days with foreign suppliers, Fulks aims to share lessons learned in business with Pete Roberts, Founder and CEO at ORIGIN, who he believes is leading an important change in the apparel industry with a return to corporate responsibility.Īccording to Roberts, it comes down to consumerism, a cost-benefit analysis, and American communities. After decades at Under Armour, Kip Fulks is now helping to lead ORIGIN, a company recognized for resurrecting American supply chains and manufacturing, to new heights as Strategic Advisor and Partner.
0 kommentar(er)
