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Contract packaging company born to bridge the gap

Former marketing professionals launch a contract packaging business to address the disconnect between CPGs and their co-packing suppliers—a business where ‘Customer is King.’

John Culligan, CEO, and Debbie Culligan, CMO, of Multi-Pak Packaging
John Culligan, CEO, and Debbie Culligan, CMO, of Multi-Pak Packaging

Contract packaging customers long for a co-packing partner with the ability to understand their needs and meet their demands in an ever-changing marketplace. Finding that “ideal partner” is the challenge. In 2005, husband-and-wife John and Debbie Culligan launched Multi-Pak Packaging with one primary goal: to deliver “best-in-class” contract packaging services that translate into strategic advantagesfor the client.

Before getting into the contract packaging business, both of the Culligans worked in brand marketing, which provided them with key insights into consumer pain points. Debbie Culligan previously worked in brand management at Kraft Foods and did some consulting; John Culligan held senior management positions at Procter & Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser, and Nice-Pak. During that time, both struggled with the disconnect between marketing and sourcing. Time and again, marketing would come up with a plan tailored specifically to what the consumer wanted, only for sourcing to come back and say, “We can’t do that, but we can give you this.”

Realizing that few in the contract packaging world were delivering exactly what the customer wanted, the Culligans saw an opportunity. After 20-plus years in corporate brand marketing, the dynamic duo bid farewell to their corporate careers and started a contract packaging operation focused on improved customer satisfaction.

“John always knew he wanted to become an entrepreneur,” recalls CMO Debbie Culligan. In 2005, they brokered a deal to acquire an existing contract packaging company, after which they transitioned from identifying market gaps to filling them.

One standard of excellence

Partnering with global brands for more than 13 years, Multi-Pak offers a multitude of contract packaging services, including primary and secondary packaging, assembly, sourcing, fulfillment, and inventory management, from its West Caldwell, NJ, plant. Its capabilities include bottling, pouching, cold form and thermoform blister packaging, all types of secondary packaging, value-added packaging (VAP), and custom projects. Industries served include nutraceutical, OTC, cosmetics, medical device, and animal health.

Since it was established, Multi-Pak has maintained a perfect audit record. Its cGMP-compliant and FDA-registered and inspected state-of-the-art facility meets and exceeds standards for 21 CFR, Parts 210 and 211. Existing certifications include NSF, Kosher, Organic, and Gluten-Free.

Whether it’s a supplement or an OTC product, every project at Multi-Pak is run against one standard of excellence. “From a quality standpoint, the way you train your staff is extremely important,” notes Multi-Pak Quality Director Martha Fiore. “We didn’t want to implement two different methods, so we made the decision to train all employees according to FDA standards 210 and 211, ensuring everything that runs through the facility would be held to the highest standard.”

In addition to quality assurance, another one of Multi-Pak’s differentiators is a 98% on-time delivery track record—a standard of excellence the company takes pride in. This information is updated regularly and is openly displayed on whiteboards throughout the facility for staff to reference. “We correspond with customers on a weekly basis, asking questions such as, ‘What’s your demand like this week?’ and ‘What does next week look like?’” says Vanessa Francisco, Director of Client Services. “We maintain quick turnaround times for our customers, working closely with them on demand planning.” When upticks occur, Multi-Pak is prepared to meet that need, with 19 packaging lines capable of ramping up accordingly.

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INTRODUCING! The Latest Trends for All Industries at PACK EXPO Southeast