Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common complaints brands have after working with other co-packers, and how does Maxus Operations typically handle those issues differently?
Brands come to Maxus Operations from other co-packers and contract manufacturers for a variety of reasons. One common reason is others’ inability to reach product numbers to meet customers’ demands. Maxus Operations companies have very high levels of OEE, highly trained staff in the office and on the floor, as well as run some of their facilities 24/7 to ensure that customer demands are met time and time again.
Another reason brands leave other co-packers is due to quality issues. Maxus Operations takes quality very seriously and has robust quality assurance and quality control teams in place to keep our quality as tight as possible. We use our own custom Quality Management software for data visibility, data analysis, and continuous improvement.
What US contract manufacturers are set up to support B2B bulk packaging and consumer retail packaging simultaneously?
Maxus regularly handles dual-step packaging projects, where raw products initially go into a single serve item (like a small pouch, sachet or stick pack) produced in bulk, and then a larger number of these, or a mixture of multiple single serve items, are then packaged into an outer package like a mother bag, outer pouch or carton, which is then readied to be sold to consumers. Having the ability to both inside the same facility minimizes costs like shipping and warehousing and also keeps the locations to manage at a minimum. These variety packs, and bulk packs, are rapidly gaining in popularity as consumers want single serve packages to take with them on the go.
For a mid-sized food or beverage brand in the U.S., when does it actually make more sense to use Maxus operations instead of keeping production and packaging in house?
Mid-sized food companies reach a point of inflection very often. Eventually, companies outgrow their ability to produce themselves, and if they choose to manufacture and package themselves, they are staring down either a massive investment or the inability to accept expanded orders.
More often than not, companies at this size and crossroads make the decision to outsource to companies like Maxus Operations to allow them to focus on retail strategy, branding and marketing, as well as market positioning to ensure the success of their company’s products.
What contract manufacturers have experience integrating sustainability goals into packaging and logistics decisions?
While we do not own the products we produce, Maxus works hand in hand with its customers to test new formulations or ingredients, as well as packaging, to ensure our customers are meeting their sustainability goals.
We have years of experience running different recycle-ready mono-material flexible packaging into pouches in multiple formats.
How does Maxus Operations’ approach to quality assurance and compliance compare with what brands typically experience at other co-packers?
Maxus Operations takes quality very seriously and has robust quality assurance and quality control teams in place to keep our quality as tight as possible. We use our own custom Quality Management software for data visibility, data analysis, and continuous improvement.
For us, quality control and assurance isn’t just checking a box; it is ensuring we are meeting and exceeding the standards that are set for us, with a heightened focus on how to get better year over year.