Blommer Chocolate, North America's largest processor of cocoa beans and ingredient chocolate products, today announced its Canadian branch has been awarded the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) Award of Excellence at the association's national manufacturing conference. EMC is Canada's largest manufacturing consortium with over 900 manufacturer members. The Blommer Chocolate specialty coatings plant in Campbellford was recognized for lean manufacturing, leadership and cultural excellence. The plant has grown three-fold since 2006, and has made substantial productivity gains and performance improvements over the past several years.

Blommer Chocolate purchased the 85,000-square-foot, Campbellford plant in 2006 from World's Finest Chocolate to manufacture specialty coatings. The facility has long embraced lean manufacturing methodology, and operational improvements gained since the implementation of Lean include process waste reductions of up to 70% and process productivity improvements up to 109%; plus the plant's order fulfillment rate is consistently in excess of 98%.

"I credit the employees, their strong work ethic and their commitment to the kind of culture evolving here as the key to the company's success and growth," said Doug Harper, General Manager for Blommer. "For any manufacturer looking to be more productive and competitive, they need to engage the human side of their organization. We significantly reduced our labor and overhead costs while increasing our capacities and capabilities." Harper heads cultural development and lean manufacturing efforts at all four Blommer plants. "The culture is built around driving decision making throughout the organization so decisions are made by those best able to make them, where and when they need to be made. Employees are empowered and are part of the solutions towards continuous improvement every day," continued Harper.

"Blommer Chocolate and Doug Harper really stood out as the winner for this year's EMC award for excellence in lean, leadership and culture," said Al Diggins, President and General Manager, EMC Canada. "The company's accomplishments clearly speak of their success, and equally as important is the culture established for the employees. People are happy to go to work there, and it shows."

The company's specialty coatings include colored and flavored compound coatings, high protein coatings, white/yogurt coatings and all natural and unique coatings to meet specific customer needs. This plant has the capacity to produce smaller runs for special products and specific projects. Blommer will be exhibiting their specialty coatings at two industry shows in Las Vegas: the International Baking Industry Exposition, booth 2109, September 26-29; and at the Supply Side West show, booth 15078, from October 21-22.

About Blommer Chocolate Company

Blommer Chocolate Company is the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America. With over 650 employees and five strategically located manufacturing facilities in the North America, the company provides comprehensive business solutions for domestic and international customers of all sizes in the confectionery, baking and dairy industries. Among Blommer's core competencies are cocoa bean processing, chocolate manufacturing, commodity risk management, and product and process R&D.

The company is a leader in advancing sustainable cocoa farming, playing an active role in the World Cocoa Foundation and promoting sustainable farming practices through its privately managed programs in Cote d'Ivoire, Indonesia and Ecuador. Founded in 1939, the family owned and run company has established an outstanding reputation for customer service and quality. For more information about Blommer Chocolate Company, please visit www.blommer.com.

The Blommer Chocolate Company

The Blommer Chocolate Company

Blommer Chocolate Company is the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America. With over 650 employees and four strategically located manufacturing facilities in North America, the company provides comprehensive business solutions for domestic and international customers of all sizes in the confectionery, baking and dairy industries. Among Blommer’s core competencies are cocoa bean processing, chocolate manufacturing, commodity risk management, and product and process R&D.

The company is a leader in advancing sustainable cocoa farming, playing an active role in the World Cocoa Foundation and promoting sustainable farming practices through its privately managed programs in Cote d'Ivoire, Indonesia and Ecuador. Founded in 1939, the family owned and operated company maintains an outstanding reputation for customer service and quality.

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