Deerland Enzymes: From Concept to Commercialization

At Deerland Enzymes, Kennesaw, GA, the evolution from a simple enzyme supplier to a full service partner has been an ongoing progression during the past 12 months. Beginning with the installation of a new CEO, Scott Ravech, about a year ago, the company has turned a corner with a new brand image and corporate logo, an intensified focus on customer collaboration, and several major capital expenditures under its belt as it begins 2009.

According to Mr. Ravech, “Changes in the marketplace necessitate great companies’ evolution. Deerland has recognized this and we have embraced services as an integral part of our business model,” he said. “In this ever-changing dynamic, it’s important to exceed the expectations of our customers. We work with our customers in a collaborative manner on the concept of the product, through the design phase and final formulation. Then we can provide contract manufacturing services, as desired. Our recent investments in capital and equipment are driven by our desire to provide our customers with a wider array of services and faster order turnaround.”

Deerland’s strength has been and continues to be its expertise in enzymes—the company boasts 55+ years of combined experience in the category—but the company also prides itself on an insatiable commitment to continually improving customer service. Mr. Ravech explained, “Our strength—and our point of differentiation—is our involvement with our customers in every step of the formulation process, and our belief that the best product is not one you buy from a catalog but one that we create together as the ideal solution for your formulation.”

Mr. Ravech also commented on the “big picture” philosophy behind Deerland Enzymes’ future success. “In my mind,” he said, “it’s all about ethics, integrity and servicing the needs of the customer. We have to work with them in a collaborative fashion to understand the pressures they are under and deliver an end product they can be proud of. While this may not sound unique and many companies may make similar comments, it comes down to execution and a long-term commitment to continually realizing this promise.”

Deerland’s product line features a broad spectrum of plant, animal, fungal and bacterial-sourced enzymes, along with sourcing of complementary botanicals and probiotics. All are non-GMO and Kosher where applicable. The company works with customers and suppliers to develop new technologies and formulations to meet changing market needs. In addition, contract manufacturing services, including bulk single powders or blends, liquids, hard shell capsules and tablets as well as bottling and labeling capabilities, are also available.

A renewed focus on quality is also part of the new Deerland. The company has hired staff in the QC/QA area and divided out responsibilities to give internal and external quality processes the focus they deserve. A new VP of operations was also hired in the past year, as well as an application development engineer, a newly created position. All these changes reflect Deerland’s emphasis on service and collaboration. “Deerland is dedicated, first and foremost, to being your partner throughout the product concept development and commercialization stages. We want to be involved—as much or as little as you need—in every aspect of your product solution,” said Mr. Ravech.

From a bricks and mortar perspective, Deerland Enzymes has made significant investments to expand and upgrade equipment and processes in recent months. The plant is Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) registered by NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit public health organization. Deerland works closely with NSF to make sure it stays one step ahead of industry regulations, Mr. Ravech says. “In doing so, our customers can feel confident that the business they have entrusted to Deerland is being manufactured with the highest integrity and complies with GMP requirements,” he commented.

The company has also added improved bulk blending capabilities for both large and small batch sizes, high speed encapsulation capabilities, along with a broader spectrum of capsule sizes, a new tableting line to broaden manufacturing capabilities and automated bottling and labeling capacity. Automated inspection equipment was due to be added last month.

In summary, Mr. Ravech said, “It’s all about focus, commitment and making certain that we take better care of our customers than anyone else. Our key areas of concentration are service, collaboration and meeting or exceeding the market expectations of our customers. It’s our goal to be your one-stop shop for all your enzyme and contract manufacturing needs. Our highly qualified team of experts is available and dedicated to help you make the best product we possibly can, together.”

Deerland Enzymes
3800 Cobb International Boulevard
Kennesaw, GA 30152
Telephone: 770-919-8907; 800-697-8179
Fax: 770-919-1194
E-mail: info@deerland-enzymes.com
Website: www.deerland-enzymes.com