Softgel Source, LLC has established a rapid custom softgel prototyping program in Portland, Oregon, offering production priority and no minimum order quantity to facilitate faster product testing for U.S. companies. This initiative responds to growing challenges with offshore manufacturing and aims to strengthen domestic production capabilities in the ingestible softgel market.
Kevin McDowell, Founder and CEO of Softgel Source, emphasized the strategic timing of this expansion. "U.S. companies are at a crossroads, facing both the challenge and opportunity of bringing manufacturing back home," McDowell stated. The company's Portland location positions it to help biotech and pharmaceutical businesses rapidly develop and test new formulations, creating competitive advantages in their markets.
The program addresses significant supply chain vulnerabilities that have affected businesses dependent on international manufacturing. Offshore operations often involve disrupted supply chains, long lead times, poor customer service, and shifting tariffs. According to McDowell, "Located in the Pacific Northwest, SGS is ideally positioned to help companies address these offshore manufacturing issues." The company's domestic manufacturing approach offers faster turnaround times while maintaining high quality and compliance standards.
This expansion aligns with broader manufacturing trends in the United States. A study from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute projects continued U.S. manufacturing job growth within this decade, requiring millions of new workers to meet demand. Biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing specifically are expected to grow 6–8% annually through 2030, creating significant opportunities for domestic suppliers.
Regulatory compliance represents another critical factor driving demand for rapid prototyping services. Constant changes in U.S. and international regulations frequently require companies to reformulate and retest products on short notice. "Many companies with softgel products affected by those changes need a way to rapidly test new products and formulations and get updated products into production fast," McDowell explained. The company's low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times make it particularly suitable for time-sensitive reformulation requirements.
Softgel Source serves as both a primary manufacturing partner and backup production source when offshore suppliers encounter difficulties. The company focuses on high-touch custom softgel manufacturing for U.S.-based clients requiring responsive, rapid turnaround of prototype production and low-to-moderate volume manufacturing. More information about their services is available at https://softgelsource.com.
The program's importance extends beyond individual company benefits to broader economic implications. By supporting domestic manufacturing resilience, reducing supply chain dependencies, and enabling faster regulatory compliance, Softgel Source's initiative contributes to strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness in critical health and wellness sectors. This development represents a strategic response to evolving market conditions that prioritize supply chain security, regulatory agility, and domestic production capabilities.
