Perfection in every bag

Robert Shearer, chairman and CEO, Shearer’s Foods Inc.

Manufacturing, Best Story
“Shearer perfection in every bag” isn’t just a clever motto — it’s the only way Shearer’s Foods Inc. knows how to produce its snack products. Over the past five years that level of perfection has led the manufacturer of snack foods to double its production, sales, facilities, product offerings and associates.
In 2010, Shearer’s acquired Snack Alliance Inc., one of the fastest-growing branded, contract pack and private label snack producers in North America, positioning the company to service private label and contract manufacturing partners on a national level with five manufacturing locations.
Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Robert Shearer, growth in the business will also continue — due in large part to a new Millennium Manufacturing Facility that was completed in April 2011. The facility is the first LEED-Platinum-certified snack-food manufacturing plant in the world. It was constructed in response to market demands and for new product development opportunities, such as kettle-cooked potato chips.
As the company has grown its facilities and its products, it has also had to bring on more employees to keep up with that growth. Shearer’s now employs 1,900 people, compared to 1,600 employees two years ago, and is still hiring.
Whether it’s Shearer’s employees, products or facilities, it all comes back to having perfection in every bag. Shearer’s has gathered many awards for growth, leadership, manufacturing excellence, sustainability, world-class customer service, new products, human resource practices and community service. The company addresses environmental responsibility through its Energy Management Program, an initiative to create great snacks while helping to preserve natural resources for future generations. It also looks after the welfare of its employees just as much as it places attention on its products. Today, Shearers has on-site clinics and does health screenings to measure employee’s blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and BMI levels, which are all tied to health incentives.
How to Reach: Shearer’s Foods Inc., (330) 767-3426 or www.shearers.com