Guy & O'Neill - known largely for wet wipes - is a national leader in the over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

Since HPC Magazine last spoke with Tim Rochman, vice president of sales, last year, the company has invested millions in resources and infrastructure and expects to triple in size this year, he says.

Guy & O'Neill has extensive experience in the formulation and packaging of multi-pack wet wipes as well as OTC pharmaceuticals, resulting in shorter time-to-market, unique, patented dispensing technologies and a wider product offering.

The company is a pioneer in peel-and-reseal wet-wipe manufacturing, specializing in product development; patented technology; formulating and blending, folding, wetting and packaging; peal-and-resealing technology; rolls and canisters; low-cost manufacturing; and complete wet wipe converting.

Its customers include military, industrial, medical, institutional and personal care markets, and it does contract work with big names such as many Fortune 500 and 100 consumer products companies. Guy & O'Neill didn't hesitate to help out those in need after Hurricane Katrina by donating personal bathing systems, including antibacterial hand wipes and rinse-free shampoo caps. "[We] always donate to worthy causes," Rochman says. "Our products bring real benefit to the recipients. I am sure they are appreciated.

"In a disaster situation, potable water is hard to find and cleanliness and hygiene are problems. Our products are uniquely suited to help that situation."

A Changing Industry
Rochman says Guy & O'Neill attracts customers because, simply, "We like to make it easy to do business with us." That is especially important as the industry consolidates. "Once artwork and marketing capabilities were outsourced and now we're seeing R&D and manufacturing become outsourced among our customers, too," Rochman says. "We are no longer just making products for customers, we are consultants, R&D specialists and we even go so far as to train their sales teams. Guy & O'Neill brings a full service and we're more than happy to take on that role"

Joey Wipes
Joey Wipes Complete Bath System - a re-sealable plastic pouch of skin cleansing disposable washcloths - is one of Guy & O'Neill's core products that it also manufactures and distributes under its customers' brand names.

"We are truly pioneers in this patented product, which is a great, rinse-free, skin-conditioning bathing system," Rochman says. "It is an insulated peel-and-reseal pouch of wipes that can be heated in the microwave and won't cool off if it's set on a cold counter." Not only are Joey Wipes safe, but they are are made of a non-woven, specially blended mix of Rayon and Polyester.

This blend creates a washcloth that is considerably softer on the skin than the traditional terry cloth used in most facilities, the company says. This not only eliminates the skin irritation that can occur with traditional washcloths by friction but also soothes the skin and can comfort the patient. Guy & O'Neill is continually testing and introducing new products into the markets it serves. Bolstering its strong R&D focus, the company's flexibility has allowed it to further meet customers' needs. "We pride ourselves on flexibility," he says. "Our variety of machining platforms equals a variety of products. It also helps to have long-term partner-suppliers close to our Fredonia, Wis., headquarters."

Cornerstone of Success
Quality, like flexibility, is one of Guy & O'Neill's cornerstones. The company says it manufactures products to cGMP standards. An independent quality staff performs frequent tests and all incoming materials and finished goods are bio-tested."We've had zero recalls and don't ever want a recall, so we take extra precautions," Rochman explains.

In the last five years, Guy & O'Neill has retooled its management force and added many industry experts. "We've taken our time to find qualified leaders," Rochman says.

Company founder and Chief Technical Officer Mike Guy, as well as President and CEO Jon Alexander, have been involved in the industry for more than 30 years, according to Rochman.

"Our leadership is an enabling force supporting our dramatic growth and relentless pursuit of customer delight," he says. The manufacturing force has "been here forever," he says, with many employees having 20-year tenures.

Future Vision
Rochman believes wet wipes will remain the company's prime business, but each of its sectors should experience growth.

"We are expanding in our wipes capacities and capabilities," he says. "We're working with emerging trends in formulation, substrates and packaging in the wipes markets. In the OTC pharmacy business, we're moving into personal care and contract bottling and filling."

The company currently has several patents pending for household and personal care wipes. "These are products that are not on the market today," Rochman explains. "The distinct advantage is portability, discreet use and hermetic sealing."

For the future, Guy & O'Neill expects to experience continued rapid growth.

"The opportunities are immense," he says. "Contract and custom development are areas that will continue to grow."

Managing growth is an area in which Guy & O'Neill says it has done well.

"We've hired hundreds of employees over the last year," Rochman says. "With growth, however, we're implementing lean manufacturing and constraint management.

"Our goal is to be more productive and efficient without adding complexity or loosing touch with what really matters - our customers," he adds.