FFA SERVICES

Universal Lettering Company is a family-owned and -operated manufacturer of highly durable custom-sewn products, and our company has proudly been the singular supplier of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H jackets for over 75 years. In January 2019, we expanded our operation to include laser and rotary engraving as well as 3PL services for the National FFA Organization. By January 2020, we warehouse, consolidate, and drop ship all of the merchandise for the National FFA Organization in a 32,000-square-foot facility.

A Brief History of The FFA Jacket and The People Who Make It

By: Dave Langstaff

During the closing years of the 19th century, Dr. Fergus, a dentist, opened a broom factory near downtown Van Wert, Ohio. Shortly thereafter, the broom factory moved into an abandoned Piano factory several blocks away. At this larger facility they replaced broom making with the making of denim Bib Overalls. The company grew abundantly and became the Van Wert Overall Manufacturing Company. Eventually, the "Overall Factory" diversified, making work pants, work jackets, and hats. In the early 1930’s the company moved into an ornate five story building in the heart of downtown Van Wert. Several years later the denim overall line ended and they shortened the factory name to The Van Wert Manufacturing Company. A subsidiary business located in an adjacent building called The Universal Uniform Company personalized the work jackets by embroidering organizational names and logos onto the fronts and backs. Read More

FFA Products

Universal Lettering is a proud supplier of the world’s famous FFA Jacket as well as other FFA related corduroy products and various embroidered items which can be purchased through the National FFA. Please visit www.ShopFFA.org to order online or call 888-332-2668.


FFA Jacket Re-Lettering Service

At Universal Lettering we are pleased to offer FFA jacket lettering change services. Please note that we are only able to offer front-lettering changes at this time. Place your order soon to take advantage of our first-in, first-out processing system. Some older jackets are made of a lighter material that unfortunately cannot be re-lettered. If Universal Lettering determines that your jacket cannot be re-lettered, understand that your jacket will be returned to you at no charge. 


We will no longer be removing front lettering, we will only be adding front lettering. If you have a jacket that needs lettering removed, we have found that this instructional video provides great direction to guide you in order to remove the lettering yourself. 


To have a jacket re-lettered, please print THIS RELETTER FORM, complete it, and send it to:


Universal Lettering Company
1197 Grill Road, Unit B 

Van Wert, OH 45891


The standard charge for our re-lettering service is $34.00 each. This fee includes the UPS Ground shipping services to return your jacket to you. Please make all checks payable to Universal Lettering, or you may include credit card information with your lettering instructions. All lettering orders must be pre-paid.


Emergency Rush Service Fee For Re-Lettered Jackets

For Jackets needed in less than two weeks from receipt of order, a flat rush fee of $10.00 will be added for each jacket re-lettered. This fee will not be charged if we cannot meet your requested delivery date.


FFA Chenille Patch

In cooperation with the National FFA Organization, we are pleased to introduce the newly branded FFA chenille patch. If you would like to order please visit the below link. All future FFA chenille patch orders must be placed with the National FFA.

FFA Chenille Patch
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