1ST-YEAR WINNER
First Choice Ingredients Inc.
Germantown
Industry: Manufacturing
Founded: 1994
Projected 2018 revenue: Not disclosed
firstchoiceingredients.com
Jim Pekar founded First Choice Ingredients in 1994 with a focus of creating exceptional dairy flavors. The company provides more than 300 stock offerings through its proprietary process in fermentation and culture technology, and is focused on producing natural flavors and ingredients delivered in a timely, cost-effective and proven manner.
In 2016, First Choice acquired 83,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Menomonee Falls. The new plant more than doubled the company’s footprint and is its third large-scale production facility in Wisconsin.
In addition to the production facilities, the space includes five new laboratories with pilot plant capabilities, which are critical to creating and scaling up new and innovative products for customers.
First Choice remains focused on expanding its organic and clean label product line.
“Our growing library of organic and clean label dairy concentrates provide the perfect blend of meeting customer demand, as well as being a great economic alternative to raw cheeses,” Pekar said.
The company also plans to expand its export capabilities and grow its sales outside of the United States.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Goals are accomplished through hard work, persistence and dedication. There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.”
– Jim Pekar, owner.
