Shaklee's Co-Manufacturing Approach
Unlike many companies that own and operate a single, large factory, Shaklee utilizes a strategy of partnering with qualified co-manufacturers to produce its extensive range of products. This model has been in place for a number of years, allowing the company to leverage specialized expertise and manufacturing capacity from different facilities. This approach allows Shaklee to focus its internal resources on research, development, and its rigorous quality assurance programs, rather than the day-to-day operations of a factory floor. The company has a long history, dating back to its founding in 1956, and has evolved its production strategy over time. Records show that a company-owned manufacturing facility in Norman, Oklahoma, which opened in 1979, was eventually sold, confirming the shift away from a fully in-house production model.
Shaklee's selection process for its manufacturing partners is intensive. These co-manufacturers must undergo a rigorous qualification process and are routinely audited by Shaklee to ensure compliance with the company's exceptionally high standards. This is a crucial step in maintaining brand trust, as the company's reputation for quality is dependent on the integrity of its partners. This system allows for flexibility and scalability, enabling Shaklee to adapt production to meet consumer demand efficiently, while still enforcing its meticulous standards for purity and potency.
The Rigorous Shaklee Quality Control Process
Shaklee's commitment to quality extends far beyond simply selecting reputable partners. The company has established a comprehensive, multi-step quality control process that begins at the raw material stage and continues through to the final packaged product. This commitment is evidenced by the sheer volume of tests performed, exceeding 100,000 annually across all product lines.
Ingredient Sourcing and Testing
The process starts with raw materials. Shaklee works with a network of ethical ingredient partners and subjects every single ingredient to stringent qualification tests created by its own Quality, Analytical Chemistry, and Product Development Teams. They test every new botanical ingredient for over 350 potential contaminants, such as pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and solvent residues. This goes significantly beyond the industry standard and Shaklee refers to this as its "Beyond Organic" philosophy, emphasizing post-harvest verification. This ensures that even organic ingredients are tested for contaminants that may have run off from surrounding farms.
Finished Product Verification
Before a finished product is shipped, it undergoes a series of crucial tests. These include:
- Micro Testing: Confirms the product is free of harmful microorganisms like bacteria or mold.
- Chemical Testing: Verifies that the final product's composition precisely matches what is declared on the label, ensuring all ingredients are present in the correct amounts.
- Physical Testing: Evaluates characteristics such as thickness, hardness, and dissolvability to prevent defects that could impact the product's usability or functionality.
Stability and Bioavailability Testing
Shaklee also conducts stability testing throughout product development to ensure a product retains its potency and quality over its entire shelf life. In addition, the company employs and tests advanced delivery systems, such as the patented liposomal system used in one of its pain creams, to enhance the bioavailability of key nutrients. This means they ensure the body can effectively absorb and utilize the active ingredients.
The Evolution of Shaklee Manufacturing
For many years, Shaklee operated its own manufacturing facility in Norman, Oklahoma. This plant, which opened in 1979, was a significant part of the company's operations for decades. However, as the company grew and its business strategy evolved, it moved away from the in-house manufacturing model. The Norman plant was eventually sold in the early 2000s and later demolished by its new owner. This change highlights a shift towards a more flexible and specialized supply chain, where Shaklee can select partners with specific expertise for different product lines, while maintaining tight control over quality through its own verification and testing protocols.
In-House vs. Co-Manufacturing Comparison
| Aspect | In-House Manufacturing (Shaklee's Past Model) | Co-Manufacturing (Shaklee's Current Model) |
|---|---|---|
| Control & Oversight | Complete control over every step of the process. | Retains control via strict qualification, auditing, and re-testing of partners. |
| Flexibility | Less flexible, capital-intensive. Limited by own facility's capacity. | Highly flexible and scalable, can adapt production to demand by utilizing multiple partners. |
| Specialization | Generalist facility for a broad range of products. | Partners can be chosen for specialized expertise (e.g., specific supplement forms). |
| Cost | High capital investment in plant and equipment. | Lower capital outlay; operational expenses depend on partner contracts. |
| Focus | Management attention split between manufacturing and core business. | Allows Shaklee to focus entirely on R&D, quality control, and distribution. |
Made in USA with Imported Ingredients
Shaklee products sold in the United States are labeled as "Made in USA with domestic and imported ingredients". This is a common practice in the supplement industry, where specific botanicals or raw materials may be sourced from around the world to ensure the highest quality and potency. Shaklee's internal testing process is designed to vet these imported ingredients thoroughly, just as it does with domestic ones, checking for over 350 contaminants to ensure purity regardless of origin.
Conclusion
So, where are Shaklee products manufactured? The short answer is: by a network of qualified, audited co-manufacturing partners in GMP-certified facilities. The longer answer reveals a strategic shift over the years, moving from a single owned facility to a more distributed and agile model that emphasizes rigorous, multi-level testing and verification. This ensures that while production is handled externally, Shaklee retains strict control over quality, safety, and potency. The company's commitment, reflected in its "Beyond Organic" standards and extensive testing, is the cornerstone of its promise to consumers. For more details on their quality commitment, visit the official Shaklee website Highest Quality Commitment.
