When driving along Interstate 35 between Ames and Ankeny, you may have wondered, “What is that big brown building next to Ditch Witch in Huxley?” For the 170 employees working there, that building represents more than just a structure: it’s the home base for Continental Manufacturing Chemist (CMC), a leading producer of oral care and animal care products for major brands across the United States.
CMC has a deep-rooted history in Central Iowa, having first established its original facility in Madrid, Iowa in 1961. The Huxley facility was expanded to in 2018, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth. Over the past six decades, CMC has diversified its product offerings, ranging from cleaning tools and hotel amenities to its current focus on oral care products, including mouthwash and toothpaste. Meanwhile, its Madrid facility employs nearly 30 additional team members who specialize in manufacturing various animal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and pest repellents for livestock.
What truly sets CMC apart, however, goes beyond its advanced equipment and diverse product lines. The heart of the organization lies in its commitment to its team members. With the workforce expanding from under 60 full-time employees in 2023 to over 170 today, CMC has fostered an environment where growth is nurtured from within. Two integral figures in this journey have been Jessie Bollie (Operations Manager, Madrid) and Stormie Petersen (Packaging Manager, Huxley), who have both played pivotal roles in making CMC a standout employer in Story and Boone County.
Jessie joined CMC as a temporary staff member in 2018 with modest intentions of securing a job. However, her remarkable people skills and adaptability quickly propelled her through the ranks. From packaging technician to Line Leader to Production Supervisor, she became the Madrid Site Operations Leader in August 2023. Jessie shares a personal connection with her role and the community, expressing that leading her team feels like living a dream in her hometown.
As discussions of Jessie’s transition to Madrid arose, the organization was already considering how to fill the significant gap she would leave in Huxley. Fortunately, Jessie had proactively mentored Stormie Petersen, who advanced from a line technician to Packaging Supervisor. This seamless transition underscores the collaborative spirit at CMC, where team members support one another’s growth in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.
As CMC has adapted and expanded, particularly pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic to produce hand sanitizer, it has emerged with renewed confidence and a vision for continued growth. With the recent addition of new leadership, including President Cory Jensen, who joined in September 2023, CMC remains committed to building on its success. Both Cory Jensen and Human Resources Director Uriah Hansen highlight the crucial roles that Jessie and Stormie have played in shaping the workplace culture, emphasizing that CMC’s success hinges on its people-centric approach.
In an era where many organizations face challenges in recruiting and retaining talent, CMC has managed to grow significantly, adding over 100 new full-time employees in just a few months. This accomplishment is a testament to the strong foundation laid by leaders like Jessie, Stormie, and the dedicated team members who have been with the company throughout its evolution. CMC stands proud as a source of community pride, and its commitment to excellence in both product and people ensures a bright future ahead.
Learn more about Continental Manufacturing Chemists on their website.
