The company is reshoring Rhode Island manufacturing

Following graduation from the University of Rhode Island engineering program in 2007, Joshua Holt began work at Orbit Motion Technologies, which focused on mechanical clutch brake assemblies and later, servo automation solutions. 

After working for Orbit in Mashpee, MA for seven years, Joshua Holt acquired the intellectual property of the programmable logic controller program software and source code from Orbit Motion Technologies, and started his own company in Bristol, Rhode Island, naming it Orbit Motion Systems, providing custom packaging and assembly automation for companies. 

“As native Rhode Islanders, the decision to establish and grow our business in Rhode Island was simply influenced by staying close to friends and family, close ties to the community, and ample resources available. We found the state offers a supportive environment for new businesses, making it straightforward to start and thrive, no matter the market,” said Joshua Holt, President Orbit Motion Systems and OMS’s sister company focused on custom robotic solutions, Holt Specialty Machines.

Joshua’s timing was perfect. With increasing online sales by companies such as Amazon, individually mailed boxes became the norm in retail, with fewer and fewer brick and mortar shops. Many items need to be customized to fit odd parts, various sizes and secure important components. With this, the demand for custom solutions for consumer-packaged goods and other boxing requirements has grown significantly.

Since creating the start-up, the husband-and-wife team have expanded upon the product and evolved the business into much more. The company’s clients include some of the world’s largest and most recognizable brands. Schneider Electric continued their partnership with Orbit under the new company too.

“I think a big moment in our business for me was gaining the confidence and trust of a major multi-billion-dollar company. As a small 10-person operation at the time, having such a large and influential client place their trust in our capabilities was incredibly validating. It demonstrated that our commitment to excellence and innovation resonated well beyond our size and positioned us as a trusted partner in the industry,” said Holt.

OMS has grown steadily since its inception 10 years ago. Part of the expansion has included manufacturing their own tooling and creating custom software and systems for assembly lines. Initial concepts and designs to implementation and optimization are performed on-site.

“A defining moment for us was participating in our first industry trade show this past year, marking a decade of growth for OMS. Now a team of 20 with a reputation we’re incredibly proud of, we were able to showcase some of our work with clients like Hershey’s and P&G. We’re now able to focus on growth and outreach, taking significant steps forward, and building our custom automation division,” said Jennifer Holt, (URI class of 2007), Controller for Orbit Motion Systems and co-founder of Holt Specialty Machine.

“At OMS, we believe in fostering a pipeline of talent from the classroom to the shop floor,” said Controller Jen Holt, URI ’07

The company has hired URI engineering alums, interns and even has begun creating partnerships with other local businesses. Recently the company connected with URI alum Kiffin Ward, B.S. Mechanical Engineering 2017, and his sister, Kelly Ward, who own and run a premier woman-owned custom metal fabrication shop in Warren, RI. 

This summer, industrial and systems engineering senior Darien Kane, of Riverside, RI, is conducting an internship at their Bristol facility working on an articulated arm project. She works on programming the FANUC robots, which are becoming increasingly popular in the industry.

“I am really enjoying the work I’ve done so far. I’ve been able to get hands-on experience and learn about the mechanical side of things as well,” said Darien Kane, Industrial and Systems Engineering ’25

“At OMS, we believe in fostering a pipeline of talent from the classroom to the shop floor. Providing opportunities to students and hiring URI alumni is not only important to us but also vital for the growth of the local industry. We want to show that there are ample engineering and manufacturing opportunities within the state, encouraging graduates to stay and contribute to our community. By hiring locally, we aim to retain talent and ensure that the education and skills developed here continue to benefit Rhode Island,” said Jen Holt.