Leading the Way Through Lean Manufacturing

Nice piece on Mass Map website on our Growth through the Lean Manaufactruring.

A Recipe for Transformation: New England Natural Bakers

"Trust and respect has increased at NENB. This [training] provided a great foundation for preparing the company to become an ESOP and was a perfect way to launch this new phase of our company. Now everyone has a voice and everyone can enjoy the benefits of being employee owners of the company. Employees will now be able to contribute and benefit at a higher level."
— Susan Dorais, Director of Human Resources, New England Natural Bakers

New England Natural Bakers (NENB), of Greenfield, Massachusetts, is the east coast's leading granola manufacturer. They thought they were a "lean" company. They had implemented many good procedures like FIFO and demand management and were cautious about the amount of inventory they carried. But they hadn't provided employees with tools or empowered them to make improvements on their own.

New England Natural Bakers Now 100% Employee Owned

We Are Now 100% Employee Owned

On January 1st, 2013 NENB entered into an “ESOP” or Employee Stock Ownership Program and became 100% employee owned.

Meet the owners!!

The company was founded in 1977 by John Broucek and has been a mainstay in the Natural Foods industry. “The ESOP option emerged as the best solution for our 45 plus employees; guaranteeing the viability of our values based culture and preserving jobs while remaining at our current location,” says Broucek. He will remain with the company in the role of General Manager.

New Clusters Bite Sized Granola!

Introducing Bite Sized Granola Clusters, a new line of All Natural, "Grab & Go" healthy snacks developed to meet the demands of today's busy consumer lifestyles!

Between going to work, sports, school, kids and outdoor activities, it may feel like there's no time for healthy eating, never mind healthy snacking. And, when you do stop to eat, it's probably tempting to take the quick and easy route by grabbing a burger and fries, or even worse, eating potato chips or candy. But now it's possible to treat yourself, and your family, to a healthy snack.

Today's supermarket shelves are overflowing with snacks loaded with less-than-optimal fats and sugars that are no healthier than eating a candy bar. New England Natural Bakers' new line of All Natural Grab & Go Clusters offers a great option for health conscious consumers because they are affordable and convenient, and can be easily thrown into backpacks, lunch boxes or travel bags.

"Offering healthy snack options that do not contain additives or preservatives are essential to providing good nutrition to consumers as well as supporting healthier eating habits," said John Broucek, founder and president of New England Natural Bakers. "We care very deeply about helping consumers live a healthier lifestyle and providing them with nutritionally formulated products."

The new line offers three different choices packed in 2 oz. bags that provide consumers with just the right amount of snack - not too much and not too little!

Why NENB Products?

Listen to John Broucek, Owner/Founder of New England Natural Bakers discuss why he believes in our product. John has been up making delicious granola and trail mixes for over 30 years. It takes more than just a great tasting product that compels a loyal customer. New England Natural Bakers mindfully develops formulations that that today's consumer demands such as Certified Organic, non-Gmo, Gluten Free, Vegan, Whole Grains and Kosher. Additionally, New England Natural Bakers has been committed to a variety of social improvement initiatives and causes since it's inception.

Back from Expo East…what a Cluster!

Natural Products Expo East 2012 is the preeminent trade show for companies in the natural foods and products industry. New England Natural Bakers has been attending both Expo East and Expo West since the first Expo West show in 1980. As you know we have been producing quality products since 1977 including organic bulk granola, organic bulk trail mixes organic pouched granola….and now we have our new snacks, the Clusters.