Contract manufacturing expert MSI Express profitably scales food brands while supporting communities in need
Based in Illinois, MSI Express is a contract manufacturing company dedicated to bringing new products to market for consumer goods companies, private label businesses and emerging brands. By working in conjunction with its clients, MSI Express helps them deal with capacity challenges and supports brand expansion, acting as a comprehensive solutions provider. We learn more about the company’s offerings and competitive advantages from Charles Weinberg, Chief Executive Officer.
“We work across the US to identify the most cost-effective delivered solutions for our clients. Over 90 percent of our operations focus on food products, assisting
companies with new product introductions. We collaborate with customers to define the packaging and help formulate products while leveraging our extensive network of suppliers to minimize total costs for the entire package.
Our process starts on a small scale, gradually incorporating automation and higher-speed packaging or manufacturing equipment as the product lines grow. This approach allows for a lower price point per unit and enables clients to improve their margins. In many cases, when new products are introduced to the market, they initially struggle to be profitable due to relatively low volumes, which lead to higher costs per unit. However, our scalable solutions empower customers to become profitable and have highly competitive products in the marketplace. Additionally, our ability to grow across multiple locations enhances their efficiency, as logistics costs for incoming materials and finished goods can be significantly reduced, thereby lowering the cost of getting the product to the store shelf,” he begins.
Sustainable solutions
Cost-efficiency is just one aspect of MSI Express’ promise to its clients. Sustainability is equally crucial, resonating with both customers and the broader American public. “For us, sustainability is good business,” says Charles. “We focus on avoiding waste, scrap, and landfills, and using packaging materials that are compostable, recyclable, and reusable. Our goal is to achieve zero discharge facilities within the next few years, by recycling all materials possible, eliminating waste and reducing scrap. Less waste makes us more sustainable and profitable and translates to more reliable production lines, as we avoid making products that are defective or need to be reworked. All these factors are good for business and for the planet. For many of our large global customers, sustainability is paramount. Consequently, we collaborate with them to continuously enhance the sustainability of their product lines through clean labels and eliminating food colorings, additives, and similar ingredients. This trend is gaining momentum, with Europe leading the way while the US is just getting on the bandwagon. However, this focus on greener products presents unique processing challenges, given that natural colors behave differently in food products compared to artificial ones.
“For example, consumers have become used to seeing chicken products appear yellow and beef products brown, which is often achieved through a combination of natural and artificial colors. As clean label requirements evolve, we may no longer be able to use some of these coloring agents in the years to come. Therefore, this shift necessitates a change in consumer perception, and we must ensure that this transition is managed effectively. To that end, we need to work closely with our customers to maintain the taste profiles, clean label standards and product quality that consumers expect, all while achieving a price point that remains competitive in the marketplace,” he continues.
Community commitment
On the side of its main operational endeavors, MSI Express addresses pressing issues within its local community, including food insecurity, through its partnership with Bigger Table. “From a young age, I was taught the importance of giving back as there are always people in need. Unfortunately, there are many food deserts in the US, where numerous children rely on food programs at their schools, and without these programs, they would not be able to eat three meals a day. Food waste is a prevalent issue around the world, especially in North America, and our objective is to transform some of that waste into meals for those in need. Bigger Table excels in this mission, efficiently working with ingredient suppliers, material providers, and contract manufacturers like us to repurpose food that would otherwise go to waste into nutritious meals, such as chili kits, macaroni and cheese kits, and a variety of shelf-stable products. To date, Bigger Table has created tens of millions of meals, and we are proud to have contributed significantly as a partner in this effort to help feed America,” Charles informs.
Evidently, giving back to the local community and beyond is very important to MSI Express and its team. Charles discusses another key social initiative undertaken by the company: its involvement with Glenwood Academy. “Each facility and division at MSI Express has the opportunity to collaborate with local charities and organizations to support the people in the communities they serve. I have been involved with Glenwood for over 28 years, and it stands out for its dedication to supporting disadvantaged youth without relying on public funding. In fact, 100 percent of the children who go to Glenwood either enroll in the military or pursue higher education. We understand how to foster success among young people, and the Glenwood model proves highly effective. One of the things we firmly believe in is that we need more organizations like Glenwood. Finding ways to raise funds to support an organization that does such impactful work is vital, not only for us as individuals and as a company but for society as a whole.
“Unfortunately, there is often a stigma attached to those facing challenges, with some people unfairly criticized for ‘not working hard enough.’ It is essential to recognize that not everyone has the same chances and opportunities, and Glenwood is dedicated to providing those essential chances that not only benefit the children but also their parents. By offering a safe environment for children during the week on its campus, Glenwood allows their parents to pursue further education or hold a job without worrying about their children’s safety after school or at night. Ultimately, Glenwood gives the ability to entire families to succeed, and we believe that we need more initiatives like this in our country and around the world,” he concludes.
By prioritizing greener, cost-effective solutions and impactful social initiatives, MSI Express not only empowers its clients to navigate the complexities of the consumer goods landscape but also fosters positive change within the broader community.