Toll Manufacturing Minute

What does the future of contract manufacturing actually look like? How are companies navigating uncertainty, reshoring pressures, and a shifting workforce?In this episode of the Toll Manufacturing Minute, CPS Marketing Team Coordinator Jen Lepore sits down with Jenny Gaines, SOCMA Vice President of Membership, and Joe Dettinger, SOCMA Vice President of Manufacturing & Commercial Programs, to take a big-picture look at the specialty chemical industry in 2026.Jenny and Joe break down the many benefits of SOCMA membership, from advocacy on Capitol Hill and B2B business development to safety training, peer connection, and real-time industry intelligence. They also dig into findings from SOCMA's 2026 Contract Manufacturing Outlook Report, sharing what the data reveals about regional manufacturing trends, cultivating trust and reliability in supplier relationships, and the urgent need for workforce development and technology adoption.Whether you're a specialty chemical manufacturer looking to get more from your industry involvement, or a procurement professional working to stay ahead of contract manufacturing changes, this episode delivers perspectives you won't find anywhere else.Learn more about CPS: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Subscribe to the CPS blog for more insights and episodes.

What really happens after you submit a purchase order?In this episode of the Toll Manufacturing Minute, Marketing Team Coordinator Jen Lepore sits down with Client Services Manager Mike Weinhold to break down what goes on behind the scenes, from PO submission to project completion.With more than a decade of experience at CPS, Mike shares how proactive communication, attention to detail, and cross-team collaboration help CPS support customers throughout the processing journey. You’ll also hear real-world examples of how CPS teams act as an extension of their customers’ businesses, catching potential issues early, adapting to changing conditions, and keeping projects on track.If you’re curious how CPS approaches customer care, communication, and long-term partnerships, this episode offers an inside look.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/ 

In this special anniversary episode, CPS co-founders President Gregg Shemanski and Vice President Jeff Klinger reflect on 25 years of growth from two people and a single line to a multi-site team tackling complex projects across food, pharma, minerals, and more. They share the early grit (yes, a brand-new starter blew on day one!), the moment customers’ lead times dropped 4x, and how CPS’s team-based culture and process integration keep products moving from R&D to scalable, compliant production.You’ll also hear why “custom processing” was always the primary focus, how strategic technology investments enable consistency, and what’s next as CPS aims to be the global, first-call partner for processing solutions.Gregg and Jeff reflect on key turning points and what’s next for CPS, including:From idea to industry leader: planning, naming, and the Ben Franklin “tiger sessions” that set the courseEarly setbacks, smarter systems, and a relentless quality mindsetCutting customer lead times by a factor of four and keeping partnerships for decadesTeam-based leadership, training, and people-first benefitsThe next chapter: larger, integrated programs and true “front-to-back” processingCustom Processing Services partners with manufacturers to deliver high-quality toll processing solutions that exceed industry standards.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/ 

In this episode of Toll Manufacturing Minute, CPS Chief Operating Officer Ken Zrebiec shares how his decades of experience in specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals are contributing to the future of Custom Processing Services. Hear how his leadership philosophy, operational initiatives, and focus on safety, quality, and communication are helping CPS strengthen consistency, streamline processes, and enhance customer value.With a background spanning engineering, production management, and supply chain leadership, Ken discusses:The importance of structure and shared vision in scaling operationsHow CPS is improving scheduling, communication, and accountabilityWhy safety and compliance are foundational to innovation and customer successHis personal commitments to leadership, training, and continuous improvementCustom Processing Services partners with manufacturers to deliver high-quality toll processing solutions that exceed industry standards.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/ 

CPS Business Unit Manager Willow Slusser highlights how the CPS in-house analytical lab delivers high-value testing solutions for specialty chemical customers with needs ranging from supporting electric vehicle battery innovations to pinpointing trace-level impurities in coatings and advanced polymers, and more.Custom Processing Services partners with manufacturers to provide innovative, high-quality toll processing solutions designed to exceed industry standards.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

Business Unit Manager Willow Slusser shares how the CPS in-house analytical lab supports pharmaceutical and environmental clients with advanced testing, regulatory compliance capabilities, and rapid, reliable data to drive confident decision-making.Custom Processing Services partners with manufacturers to provide innovative, high-quality toll processing solutions designed to exceed industry standards.Learn more about out Accredited lab services: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/analytical-lab-servicesConnect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

CPS Business Unit Manager, Willow Slusser, discusses the critical role of testing in toll processing, and how the onsite CPS analytical lab is pivotal in helping manufacturers achieve product quality objectives, regulatory compliance, and faster time to market. Willow also shares how the CPS analytical lab is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and what it means to customers looking for faster turnaround times, reliable data, and market-ready products.Custom Processing Services partners with manufacturers to provide innovative, high-quality toll processing solutions designed to exceed industry standards.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

CPS Director of Quality Jen Smith explains how microbial monitoring and quality assurance practices help protect powder-based products from contamination risks while ensuring regulatory compliance and product integrity. Learn how CPS combines rigorous systems, in-house lab capabilities, and industry-leading certifications to support safe, effective manufacturing for customers across food, pharma, nutraceutical, medical device, and specialty chemical sectors.Custom Processing Services partners with manufacturers to deliver high-quality toll processing solutions that exceed industry standards.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/ 

Training Coordinator Ashley Schaeffer shares how CPS’s hands-on, personalized training culture strengthens internal confidence, ensures safety, and delivers consistent, high-quality results for customers across industries.Custom Processing Services partners with manufacturers to provide innovative, high-quality toll processing solutions designed to exceed industry standards.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

CPS Vice President of Business Development, Albert Medoro, explores how material shortages, shipping delays, rising customer expectations and other supply chain management challenges are putting unprecedented pressure on manufacturers. The “best practices” many put in place in response to recent crises are no longer effective, leaving manufacturers vulnerable to rising costs and complicated sourcing decisions. Albert also shares how technology and strategic partnerships with full-service toll processors such as CPS can turn supply chain obstacles into opportunities.Custom Processing Services partners with manufacturers to provide innovative, high-quality toll processing solutions designed to exceed industry standards.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

CPS Vice President Jeff Klinger provides expert insights into micronization, and why reducing particle sizes to a micrometer scale is crucial to the success of applications in several major industries.Custom Processing Services partners with manufacturers to provide innovative, high-quality toll processing solutions designed to exceed industry standards.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

Technical Sales Engineer KT Brickman breaks down the various milling processes CPS offers and explains how the team determines the right method for your material.Custom Processing Services partners with manufacturers to provide innovative, high-quality toll processing solutions designed to exceed industry standards.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

Charlie Casale dives into the intricacies of drying processes in chemical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. Discover how CPS leverages advanced drying methods like fluid bed drying and flash drying to achieve precise moisture control, optimize product quality, and meet diverse customer requirements.Custom Processing Services partners with manufacturers to provide innovative, high-quality toll processing solutions designed to exceed industry standards.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

As the EV market grows, so does the demand for efficient battery materials. Carl Fiorini highlights CPS’s role in producing high-quality components for lithium-ion batteries, focusing on sustainability, precision particle sizing, and innovative milling solutions.Custom Processing Services empowers industries with advanced toll manufacturing capabilities, including processing solutions for emerging markets like EV battery production.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

Charlie Casale discusses the art and science of blending in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Learn how CPS ensures homogenous blends, prevents cross-contamination, and meets stringent regulatory standards to deliver top-tier products.Custom Processing Services supports manufacturers with tailored toll processing solutions that prioritize quality, safety, and innovation.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

Join KT Brickman to uncover the science of jet milling. This episode explores how high-velocity air streams are used to produce ultra-fine particles without contamination or heat generation, ensuring product consistency and performance in various applications.With cutting-edge facilities and expert staff, Custom Processing Services delivers precision and performance in toll manufacturing to help businesses thrive.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

Dive into the world of functional foods with Willow Slusser as she explores how toll processors contribute to creating nutrient-rich products with added health benefits. From maintaining nutritional integrity to adhering to strict certifications like cGMP, this episode covers the importance of precision and quality in food processing.Custom Processing Services specializes in delivering tailored toll manufacturing solutions for industries like food, pharma, and advanced materials, ensuring top-tier quality and compliance.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/

Discover the critical role of particle size reduction in manufacturing with Willow Slusser, CPS Business Development Manager. Learn about the advanced technologies behind processes like jet milling and wet milling, and understand how achieving precise particle sizes can optimize product functionality across industries.Custom Processing Services is a trusted partner in toll manufacturing, offering innovative solutions and state-of-the-art technology to meet your unique manufacturing needs.Connect with us: https://www.customprocessingservices.com/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custom-processing-services-inc-/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomProcessingServicesInc/