The lip balm manufacturer moved to include room for growth, and it has filled its footprint

CEDAR RAPIDS-"What's wrong, boss?" On a recent Wednesday afternoon, when the boss of Eco Lips led a tour of the manufacturing company's new factory, an employee in the production workshop greeted Steve Shriver.

"How are you?" He replied.

The company that produced and packaged organic lip balm and other products sold in more than 10,000 retail locations began to move from its previous Marion building (where it was only used for about three years) to 6000 Huntington Ct. NE this spring.

Tax credits and incentives are provided by the City of Cedar Rapids and the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

About 100 people now work on the 78,750-square-foot site, which was formerly the site of Hunter Specialties, a manufacturer and supplier of hunting accessories. Shriver estimates that the building has been vacant for four years.

Shriver added that the number of employees at Eco Lips will increase by 50 temporary workers during the "busy season" this winter.

The website has Eco Lips administrative office as well as product development, production and warehousing.

When its assembly line is up and running at full speed, it can produce 40,000 to 50,000 lip care products per hour.

The facility also contains-neatly hidden in its own corner of the factory floor-Simply Soothing, the manufacturer of Bug Soother insect repellent.

Last spring, Eco Lips acquired the business of Columbus Junction. Before the acquisition, all Eco Lips products were produced without water; with Simply Soother, the company incorporated "water supply capacity" into the production area of ​​its new home.

Shriver said that in general, Eco Lips produces approximately "300 products" under its own brand and other brands. He said these products-along with its famous organic lip balm-include "personal care products" such as oils, moisturizers, creams and ointments.

Shriver pointed out that its two machines in the production, assembly and packaging workshops are brand new.

The company is developing rapidly. It started in 2003 on a 12,000 square foot site southeast of 10th Avenue in Cedar Rapids and then moved to its oldest home, a 36,000 square foot space in Marion.

Why move to Northeast Cedar Rapids? Frankly speaking, Shriver admits that it is "one of the few warehouses within a 60-mile radius that provides space for current and future needs." The production area of ​​the Huntington Court Building alone is approximately 70,000 square feet.

"We can't design a better venue," he nodded.

But as for the growth space: a glance in the huge warehouse room reveals that the shelves are full.

Shriver cited global supply chain issues-including paper shortages and the need for Eco Lips to be used for packaging and labeling-as reasons for inventory.

Moreover, he said that his 18-year-old company "grew faster than expected."

Comments: (319) 398-8307; michaelchevy.castranova@thegaztte.com

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