Frequently Asked Questions
Naturally, every client wants their product as quickly as possible. Our intent is to deliver the product as quickly as we realistically can without compromising or sacrificing quality. The lead time on reorders depends on:
- Service lead-times for ingredients
- Packaging lead times
- Processing lead times
Based on these factors, we can give an accurate estimate. Lead time can range from a matter of days for a simple product or prepared formula, or it could be longer depending on various factors.
We take pride in our flexibility. We regularly help new-to-market clients get started with relatively small runs and also have relationships with very large international organizations. The best efficiency comes from full batch quantities. We have mixers of all sizes, shapes, and types to offer the greatest versatility.
We are third-party certified against GMPs by NSF and the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). We are also APHIS-approved, Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO), and Sustainable Quality Food (SQF) certified in our Adrian, MI, soft chew manufacturing facility.
We are an industry leader in formulations. We can provide a customized formula for your needs or bring your formula into our system. In any case, we offer hands-on oversight and nutritional expertise to partner with you from start to finish in building a product that meets your needs.
Yes, we often work with customer-supplied formulas.
We don’t charge for development unless there is a new inventory ingredient that has a relatively high cost of acquisition for samples or minimum orders. We will make a test batch or prototype for your review as part of your product development process.
Yes, we have customers who regularly supply their materials. Keep in mind, that customer-supplied materials will be subject to vendor qualification processes.
We have two locations- one in Blissfield and one in Adrian.
Blissfield- 5600 Silberhorn Hwy Blissfield MI 49228
Adrian- 800 Liberty St Adrian MI 49221
We purchase our ingredients from highly qualified and audited vendors worldwide. We qualify suppliers and verify each ingredient that comes into our warehouse for identity, purity, and potency.
Yes, we do. Ask for more details.
This depends on the complexity of the project. Simple projects could be completed in a few weeks. Complex projects will take longer. From a product development standpoint, three months is a good timeline estimate for new products.
Yes, Uckele has formulas that are available for private labeling, which takes much of the development work out of the equation. These formulas range from human, equine, companion animal, and specialty production animal formulas.
Uckele has more capabilities than most contract manufacturers including pellets, capsules, powders, soft chews, tablets, liquids, gels, salves, and more. We can provide details on our product and packaging capabilities.
Yes, Uckele can store limited quantities of finished goods with an arranged setup.
Absolutely! You’re welcome to invite anyone to come and visit us to perform a site audit. Contact your account representative or CSR to schedule one today.
Yes. Sometimes the availability of US-sourced ingredients can be challenging, but we can design a product to use only US-sourced ingredients. We can also source your ingredients from specific regions or countries.
Our ingredient vendors must go through a strict vendor qualification process including potential site audits and ingredient testing for identity, purity, and potency.
We use ingredients of all types, from USP human-grade ingredients to feed grade. We will work with you to refine the specifications for each product to best suit your needs.
Yes. We are APHIS-certified on the animal side for specific formulas, and we have many broker relationships to provide export support for your brand.
Yes, we have in-house designers who regularly design labels from scratch for customers as well as a wide variety of product packaging options. Our team can also assist you with suitable label claims on your packages.
We will drop ship to distribution locations on an LTL basis.
We have Certified Nutritionists, Chemists, Quality Experts, Product Development Specialists, Veterinarians, and Dieticians on our formulation team. All formulation is led and directed by our Chief Science Officer, Jack Grogan.