Contract Processing

Contract processing, also known as contract manufacturing, is when a business partners with a third-party provider to process materials to their exact specifications, using the provider’s equipment, expertise and facilities.

The terms are often used interchangeably. Contract processing typically refers to a specific processing step carried out on a client’s behalf, whereas contract manufacturing can encompass broader production responsibilities. In practice, the distinction depends on the scope agreed between the two parties.

Powder processing can be applied to a wide range of materials, including powders, granules, waxy materials and plastics, chemicals, food ingredients and pharmaceutical compounds. The suitability of a material depends on the processes and equipment available at the facility.

Hosokawa Micron offers a range of size reduction and powder characterisation services, including milling, mechanofusion, grinding, classification and blending. Our team will work with you to identify the most appropriate process for your material and specification requirements.

Contract processing is worth considering if you need access to specialist equipment, want to avoid capital investment, need to scale production quickly, or are looking to trial a new formulation before committing to manufacturing.

Pricing is determined by a combination of factors, including adherence to applicable industry standards and the level of plant utilisation required. To ensure accuracy and transparency, our team is always happy to discuss your requirements in detail and provide an individual, no‑obligation quote tailored to your specific project.

We provide thorough documentation throughout the process, ensuring full traceability of your materials from receipt through to dispatch. This supports your own quality, regulatory and compliance requirements.

Common risks include processing delays, quality inconsistencies and specification miscommunication. These are mitigated through clear contracts, detailed specifications, robust quality controls and regular communication throughout the process.

Our operations are supported by contingency planning that covers equipment failure, operational disruptions and supply chain challenges, helping to ensure continuity of production and protect your route to market. We’re a 24/7 plant operation and we perform predictive maintenance on our process systems using Gen4 software.

Yes. We manage the logistics of both domestic and international shipments, including REACH, import and export documentation to meet the agreed Incoterms, via full authorisation if required, regulatory compliance, secure packaging options such as FIBCs, sacks and drums, and full documentation to ensure your materials are handled safely and compliantly throughout transit.

Getting started is straightforward. Contact our team with details of your material, processing requirements and target specifications, and we will guide you through the next steps, including feasibility assessment and trials where required.

Yes. We offer new product development and feasibility testing to establish the most effective processing approach before moving to full-scale production. This helps reduce risk and ensures your specifications can be consistently met.

We operate with defined processing parameters and quality controls, ensuring each production run meets the same specifications. Full documentation and traceability records are maintained throughout.

We can accommodate a range of batch sizes, from small-scale development batches through to full commercial production volumes, making our service suitable for businesses at any stage of development.

We understand that your materials, formulations and processes may be commercially sensitive. Confidentiality agreements are completed before any engagement to protect your intellectual property throughout our working relationship.

To begin, we will typically need details of your material, target specification, required volumes, any safety and regulatory considerations, i.e. MSDS, OEL, and explosion data, and your preferred packaging and delivery requirements.

Our lead times are typically 4-6 weeks from discussion to implementation of new product development.

Our team will provide a clear timeline at the outset and keep you informed throughout the project.