Manufacturing Today Issue - 251 August 2026 | Page 94

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
while improving manufacturing efficiency and consistency. Working with German engineering partner FRICKE, Abstrax is implementing automated liquid dosing and compounding systems, with the first unit already received in California and the second in transit. The automated systems will improve dosing accuracy, repeatability, quality control, traceability, and production efficiency while supporting continued growth.“ This isn’ t about replacing people,” Eric stresses.“ It’ s about allowing them to focus on higher-value activities while creating a more scalable manufacturing platform, reducing our process times and decreasing lead times to our customers.” Aside from equipment, Abstrax is also investing in its internal processes to support its growth.“ I’ m focused on creating a transparent organization,” Eric shares.“ We’ re adding a new ERP platform to enable greater visibility; a new sales and operations planning process to sharpen our view of customer demand; and a customer experience center within our site. Together, these investments provide better visibility across the organization, helping teams make faster decisions while creating a more responsive experience for customers.”
With strategic investments underway, Abstrax is in a strong position to meet evolving consumer trends.“ Consumers increasingly expect products made with natural ingredients, cleaner labels, and functional benefits. Those trends are creating significant opportunities for brands looking for ingredients that help them stand apart,” Eric observes.“ We’ re seeing rapid growth in functional beverages, botanical wellness, and alcohol alternatives. People aren’ t drinking as much alcohol as they used to, and we want non- 94