WD-40's co-packer selection steps

3. Visit the site. If qualifying new co-packers, the company thoroughly assesses their facilities. A cross-functional team including members of research and development, purchasing, and quality assurance visits the potential suppliers’ facilities to learn about their processing and packaging technologies and equipment, staff capabilities, and production capacity. A financial risk analysis is prepared.

4. Begin the launch phase. The team monitors trial runs of its product to assess production line stability and assure that the goods meet WD-40’s specifications.

5. Award the contract. WD-40 Co. selects the packer. Formal agreements are drawn up.