Herbalife, to their everlasting credit, appears to be trying to bring more of their manufacturing in house. Or committed to becoming more vertically integrated, securing its supply chain from “seed to feed,” as they put it. To that end, they've acquired a 580,000-square-foot facility in Winston-Salem, NC, expected to be operational by mid 2014. But just who is manufacturing their products now? Who is their contract supplier ?

Checking, at one time it appears they were using called Micelle Laboratories, out in Orange County, California. An Aug 24, 2009 news bulletin indicates...

" Herbalife Ltd., a global nutrition and direct-selling company, announced today that its agreement to buy certain assets of Micelle Laboratories, an Orange County, Calif. contract manufacturer of food and nutritional supplements, has closed. Herbalife purchased the assets in order to strengthen its global manufacturing capabilities for approximately $10 million in an all cash deal."

A little background on Micelle Laboratories. From their 2008 Corporate Profile they state:

" Micelle Laboratories is a closely held corporation with a history of producing custom manufactured nutritional and over-the-counter drug products since 1980. The company operates in a new 150,000 square foot, state of the art manufacturing facility.

"Our extensive research and laboratory facilities, with both FDA and GMP certifications, allow us to develop innovative products of excellent quality for our customers. Our customers range from resale distributor companies to multi- level marketing companies. Micelle Laboratories provides services worldwide."
More specifically...

"Micelle Laboratories, Inc. engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of nutritional supplements and over-the-counter drugs in the United States and internationally. Its capabilities range from liquids and powders to tablets and capsules. The company offers pet products; nutritional products; oral rinse products for the relief and protection of irritated areas in the mouth; and bathing wipes, as well as provides intimacy enhancer crиmes for women. Its customers range from resale distributor companies to multi- level marketing companies. The company was founded in 1980 and is based in Lake Forest, California. As of August 24, 2009, Micelle Laboratories, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Herbalife Ltd. "
Pet products? Intimacy enhancer crиmes for women? (crиmes = creams?) All being run off the same line as Formula 1?

See, that's the thing most people don't realize. There's only a handful of these companies around the country that manufacture products for all the MLM companies. Basically all the products come from the same source, despite what the company may tell you. They just change the labels and alter the formula somewhat. Not many MLM companies have the resources to manufacture in house.

As for Micelle Laboratories, what's it like to work there?

"Micelle is for those who cannot find a job anywhere else"

What do you like about working at Micelle Laboratories?

"The people in manufacturing qnd QC are friendly personal and work well together"

What don't you like about working at Micelle Laboratories?

"Management is abusive with cusing, threatening language, sexual harassment an everry day occurance"

What suggestions do you have for management?

"Managment is beyond help. They are egotistical, they falsify accounting records, launder personal items, lifestyle, attorneys and girlfriends through the company. They lie to the legal system regarding employees to avoid jail or severe punishment. Thye lie to their customers. This company is beyond being salvaged with current management."

Oh, my!