AboutJim Pfister Expertise Food Engineering/Manufacturing, Food Packaging/Distribution, Engineering Beverage Lines, Reducing operating cost of packaging lines while increasing efficiency. Lean Manufacturing. Incorporating new package technology into existing operations. Training staff to achieve smooth transition from "start-up" to full production. Managing complex projects across multi-disciplinary lines. Equipment PreShipment Factory Acceptance testing and Commissioning programs for new equipment.
Experience Employment history: Over thirty-five years of experience. Managed as much as $40MM in concurrent, multi-disciplinary projects, both domestic and international, and have worked with such firms as Campbell Soup, Coca-Cola, Hershey`s, and Nabisco.
Organizations: An author and speaker, as well as a member of the IoPP. Past Chairman of IoPP`s Consultant`s Council and Member of the Packaging Equipment Performance Committee.
Question Hi Mr. Pfister
My wife and I want to manufacture a salsa to be sold as shelf live (it will be boiled) but we have no idea of where to start in the topic of licenses and permits.
We live in Illinois and would be establishing a company soon. We will then look for locale and equipment but are not willing to take any of these steps until we have an idea of what it takes to get food processing permits and from whom; after that will need to look into bottling issues (who helps with this?), product shelf life, marketing, distribution.
any help as guides, books articles would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Jose Magana
Answer Jose,
Because things vary from state-to-state, you should really sit down with your attorney to find out what the laws and regs are in Illinois. He should also be able to advise you on the legal aspects on starting a business there.
Another thing to do is contact the SBA in your area. They offer a series of three - FREE - seminars on starting a business. They also conduct them in the evenings so they don't interfere with your day job. You will also meet others in the same situation as you, so you'll have some really good, informative discussions - and might even find someone you could work together with.
In terms of technical info on bottling, etc., the internet is replete with info. Do a google search on any of the terms, and you'll find plenty of things to read.
