Our Story
PilotPlants.org is the pilot plant and food innovation center arm of the Contract Manufacturing Alliance — built by the Contract Packaging Association (est. 1992) and the Co-Packing Network (100-year heritage).
History
The national non-profit trade organization for contract packaging and manufacturing is established. Dedicated to promoting the growth and welfare of contract packaging firms across North America.
Building on nearly a century of manufacturing heritage, the Co-Packing Network grows its connections across North America, developing the relationships and expertise that would define the Alliance.
The Alliance begins developing digital infrastructure for matching brands with the right manufacturing partners — RFQ systems, facility directories, and process management tools.
The CPA formalizes its three-phase framework recognizing that brands need support at every stage — not just co-packing. The 8-arm structure begins to take shape.
CPA expands its membership to include pilot plants and food innovation centers — acknowledging that the gap between R&D and full-scale manufacturing needs dedicated infrastructure.
A dedicated arm of the Alliance launches to serve the pilot plant and food innovation center ecosystem — connecting brands with facilities and recruiting new members into the network.
Actively recruiting commercial kitchens, contract manufacturers, colleges, and universities to build pilot plant capacity within their existing operations.
Locations
Alliance Headquarters
Pacific Regional Office
South-Central Regional Office
East Coast Regional Office
Ready to connect with the Alliance?
Contact Us