From setting a world record to launching an impressive number of new products in one year, this co-manufacturer embraces innovation.
Hampshire Pet Products often embraces the word “yes” when approached by customers, a strategy that has allowed it to grow into what it is today. One hallmark of the company is its world record for the largest dog biscuit, weighing in at an impressive 617 lbs. The achievement came only two months after the south wall of Hampshire’s processing facility was blown out in the Joplin tornado of May 2011.
Hampshire was founded on the idea of producing classic crunchy-style dog biscuits for private-label brands. Soon, the company began to realize its potential and evolve with the times, tackling formulation trends and different formats. From no corn, no wheat, no soy to grain-free to cold extruded soft bakes – Hampshire has done it all. More than 300 different products are manufactured at its 291,000-sq.-ft. facility in Joplin, Missouri.
The co-manufacturer’s management team is comprised of six leaders representing each core part of the business. “Our size makes us more flexible and quicker to market,” explained Todd Dunlop, director of research development and quality assurance. “Everyone we need on board for a new product concept is sitting in this room, these six people,” he told Pet Food Processing during the initial interview. This agile leadership team can bring a new product to market in as little as 12 to 16 weeks.
From left: Stormy Ray, human resources manager; Curt Dudley, vice president of sales; Bob Weaver, chief financial officer; Julie Larson, president; Todd Dunlop, director of research development and quality assurance; and Derek Hill, plant manager.
Inside the facility, three baked treat lines include Shaffer mixers, and rotary moulders, one 205-ft. and two 180-ft. ovens from Baker Perkins. Hampshire designed and built its own dryers, which follow the Baker Perkins ovens. Finished product is held in 25 upright bins, each capable of holding approximately 10,000 lbs, and less durable product is held in five horizontal bins. For packaging, Hampshire runs seven lines, of which three are automated.
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