Getting to Worry-Free Manufacturing

by Richard Mihalik

Selecting a contract manufacturer is a critical choice for a distribution company in the launch of a new product. Distribution companies rely on the expertise, quality systems and reliability of their contract manufacturer so they can focus on their core expertise, successful marketing and distribution.

Many things need to be  considered when choosing a contract manufacturerfrom formulation to delivery. Is it able to take a product concept and reduce it to practice? Does it have the expertise to refine and possibly make suggestions to improve the concept? Once reduced to practice, does it have the equipment and capacity to deliver the product in time for launch? If the product takes off, does it have the capacity to meet the increased demand? When the product is launched, are their quality systems adequate to produce a consistent, quality product, the availability of which will not be disrupted by regulatory actions? Does it consistently meet the regulatory requirements of all target markets, even internationally? Does it have the experience to give the desired level of service?

Ideally, a contract manufacturer should be able to provide competent services such as formulation, ingredient selection, packaging and even advice on finished goods labeling. It takes experience in the formulation department to take a product concept and reduce it to practice for dietary supplements. The right contractor should have demonstrated experience that it can make a concept a reality within cost, labeling and regulatory parameters.

For further convenience, consider a manufacturer with services designed to optimize product personalization, such as customized in-house labeling. Many outside label vendors are not familiar with the regulatory processes that affect the dietary supplement industry. A contract manufacturer with the expertise can not only design and print custom labels, but also watch for regulatory compliance.

When selecting a contract manufacturer, also inquire about current capacity and how they have ramped up capacity in the past. Asking about future planned expansions in production capacities can determined whether they can keep up with a successful product launch. Also, ask about planned equipment upgrades and improvements.

Another area to investigate is inspections and certifications. Copies of regulatory inspections can be telling about quality and attitude of the manufacturer. It can also be helpful to request information on the laboratories used for third-party product testing; laboratories with certification, such as ISO, provide assurance of quality.

Experience, service, quality, planning and capacity are what it all boils down to for worry-free contract manufacturing.

Richard Mihalik is the director of innovation and product development for National Enzyme Company .