1. Collaborate – Project coordinators work closely with our customers and our internal team to make sure we thoroughly understand every need and step in production so that line setup, team training and overall execution move quickly and efficiently. In co-packing, it matters that everyone knows the details and works in unison.
  2. Support Team Members – We are able to recruit and retain a superior workforce by creating a healthy, safe, fun and dynamic environment that is stimulating to line workers. These happy team members are then productive, engaged and energized, and we care for them by thinking through ergonomics, providing safety and reducing unnecessary movement. In return, our team members readily suggest and implement opportunities for improvement, help filter out non-performers, and identify waste.
  3. Balance Workload – Because we have multiple customers running simultaneously, we can absorb ups/downs in individual projects – while still maintaining a core base of highly talented and motivated team members who are already trained in our GMPs and ready to deploy to customer projects. In addition to reducing costs of project start-ups, this allows us to easily scale operations for large projects.
  4. Eliminate Waste – By identifying issues early and often, we reduce production costs and waste. Our team members implement practices to segregate and recycle waste materials, reducing overall waste disposal costs and environmental impact.
  5. Create Steady Runs – This eliminates starts and stops. Savvy line leaders who are well-trained, experienced and well-equipped with data and insights know how to identify and alleviate bottlenecks. They also know how to make sure each worker is working at a “smart” level – not hard, but smart and consistent, which helps avoid mistakes and reduces burnout.
  6. Optimize Layout – Smart co-packers design the co-packing facility to minimize movement, reduce transportation waste, and improve workflows. Virtually everything – from the layout of the warehouse to the positioning of production lines to the location of the restrooms, entrances, and breakrooms – is designed to optimize and reduce inventory and worker traffic.
  7. Look for Issues Proactively – The earlier an issue is caught, the cheaper it is to fix it. Our line workers are always looking for blemishes, errors, etc., in the products that they touch/manage. And they know if they see something, they need to say something. Their focus is on quality at every stage of the production process to prevent defects and reduce rework, which can be costly, especially if found at late stages.

By remaining dedicated to co-packing fundamentals, we can be more economical for our customers – while still devoting extensive energy toward quality and ensuring work is done on time.