9MARCH 2024the experience and expertise of working together, they overcome challenges that arise throughout the process. · Growing from within provides more opportunity for growth, as well as positive and rewarding for the individual and beneficial for the company. (less training, less turnover, easy transition, positive atmosphere)Contract manufacturing changed my life and made me a better professional.· I spent a good chunk of my professional career as a formulator at a family-owned contract manufacturing facility and was fortunate to get involved in every part of manufacturing. · Customer relations allowed me to see the early stages of product development, and then in R&D, the formula was born in my beaker, often shaping the ingredient story with functionality. To this day, it is a joy to see the products I helped create on retail shelves. · I had the pleasure of working with so many talents on the brand side and in manufacturing. They all helped me to become a multitasker outside of the bubble of R&D. · Creating unique formulas in an R&D setting is easy... this statement may sound very profound from a formulator. Still, as an R&D chemist, I was in a bubble with access to free amazing ingredients and no risk limitless experiments. I often forgot about reality and had no connection with manufacturing. I did not think those formulas needed to be unique, innovative, exciting, and scalable for mass manufacturing without stressing production at any stage, affordable, stable on the shelf, fillable, and dispensable. Creating new products is exciting, but after all, manufacturing is a business, and it must make financial sense. · My best experience came from seeing my formulas flow through the manufacturing steps and getting involved in problem-solving and troubleshooting when it was needed. This made me understand the relationship between theoretics, science, and the realization of scale-up and mass production. I gained massive knowledge by working with amazing compounders, mechanics, and fillers who mostly had many years of hands-on experience and not formal education. After experiencing what a great resource they provide, I encouraged anyone in R&D to hang out in compounding or any other production areas as much as possible, especially during the scale-up of their formulas. This ensures an understanding of reality and helps develop a unique ability to solve problems on the spot, which is essential in manufacturing. It makes anyone so much more valuable as a formulator.· I firmly believe in cross-training and experiencing challenges on my skin throughout all manufacturing steps. As I was able to get involved in various areas, I developed skills and an understanding of many functions, including how to manage daily challenges and overcome difficulties when they arise. · This also allowed me to discover hidden gems and unique talents within the organization and helped me build the best team possible. · I genuinely believe the success of contract manufacturing depends on the team; therefore, putting the best team in place is essential.· I love offering growth opportunities to individuals with initiative and drive. I love seeing anyone excelling and being happy while learning new skills. This is probably what I find the most rewarding when working with people and managing them. · In addition to creating a healthy and happy environment with proven increased productivity, Cross training and elevating existing staff saves time and money. Usually, the success rate is 100% with a very low risk.· I mastered moving existing manpower around with successful training as needed in the constantly changing manufacturing environment.· I believe the most incredible team is built when opportunities are given and effort is noticed and appreciated. This costs nothing for the organization, but the positive outcome is priceless. Contract manufacturers are equal partners with brands with a wide variety of expertise, often offering full service, from innovative formulations and on-site R&D services to premarket compliance and testing, sourcing, filling, full assembly, and turnkey services
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