How to Choose a Tolling or Private Label Partner I Aexcel

The need to find such partners is generally a positive sign of growth, signaling that demand has begun to exceed your current capacity. In some cases, outsourcing may precede capital expansion, and finding a partner is a short-term solution to a “good problem.” Alternatively, maybe you have a new product is not well suited to your existing production equipment or methods. Or, as happens with more frequency, regulatory limitations restrict the use of certain materials or methods in your own facility. These constraints may call for you to consider outsourcing to a tolling or private label partner. In all cases, the decision to outsource results from determining that gains from the outsourced product will be greater than costs. Regardless, the partner selection process is important. Poor performance can disrupt your company’s smooth operation.

Finding Tolling and Private Label Partner Candidates

The first step in locating a partner candidate is to identify companies with the interest, experience and capabilities to handle your production requirements. What is the track record of the producer? Three important qualifiers when selecting a contract paint manufacturer are:

1. Capital: facilities, equipment and trained personnel suited for your production requirements
2. Capacity: sufficient capacity to handle the desired paint or coatings production,
3. Competence: demonstrated expertise, particularly in regulatory and technical matters. In the coatings, adhesives, and chemicals industries, many processes require technological expertise not widely attained. Be sure to find a competent partner.

Tolling and Private Label Partner Selection

A successful partner relationship is mutually profitable and characterized by trust and open communication. When selecting a production partner or private label producer to manufacture your products, it is prudent to follow established guidelines in the process.

In the coatings (and related) industry, Aexcel has developed a checklist to share with Tolling and Private Label partners. This is a two-way document, designed to ensure that the details of the relationship are sound and that both partners are focused on the same high-quality results.

Selection and Pre-Agreement Phase

• Trust: Before any relationship can be formalized, elements of confidentiality, trade secrets and formula ownership must be agreed.
• Communications lines must be established.

Production Elements

• Formulation: certify formulas and scale for production
• Raw Material: sourcing, pricing, and vendor substitution authority
• Production: Set-up, filling, labeling, equipment and processes
• Manufacturing, Filling and Handling Costs determined
• Training and Certification requirements reviewed

Quality Control Management

• Raw Material Inventory Control
• Quality Control Procedures for both raw materials and finished goods
• Return Product Procedures
• Waste handling, including Hazardous Waste, if any

Delivery Processes

• Shipping and Delivery directions
• Invoice and Payment terms

Legal Issues

• Agreement length, termination conditions, cross indemnification, dispute resolution.
• Finally, what happens at the end of the arrangement: Cancellation of contract; disposition of raw materials; resolution of inventory and confidential information.

These are just some of the items to address when considering a manufacturer for tolling and private labeling production arrangements.

Download the full checklist for a complete view of considerations to ensure a successful partnership.