Beginning the journey from being hand poured into the iconic yellow-lid jars, to currently being accessible in more than 60 countries globally, Carma Labs, makers of Carmex, is one of the top-selling lip care brands in the world.  Having sold over one billion jars, Carma Labs has come a long way. The founder, Alfred Woelbing, established his company originally to treat his own cold sores in 1937. His remedy gained word-of-mouth attention and Alfred sold his product one by one to pharmacies from the trunk of his car. For many years, Alfred manufactured out of his kitchen, before establishing a production facility in Wauwatosa, a suburb west of Milwaukee. Outgrowing both spaces, Carma Labs moved in 1970 to the current manufacturing site located in Franklin. Focused on a commitment to the community, the company is an active member of the Franklin Business Park Consortium since joining in 2016. 

At the company location in Franklin, the range of products Carmex offers is carefully crafted. Whether making the precisely filled jars, tubes, or sticks, all the products are inspected with care. Every Carmex product is made with purified, high-grade ingredients that are safe for use and meet specifications appropriate for the inclusion in the products. Before leaving the facility, products undergo a quality control analysis to ensure quality and safety to the consumer. Alfred believed that animal testing was inhumane, and that position is still upheld today within the company. No products are tested on animals. The company also has a strong commitment on sustainability. Examples include the development of a “greener” Carmex jar, using 20% less plastic in every jar without changing the product or amount of product included, and the recent use of recyclable paper and plastic packaging. 

Looking towards the future, Carma Labs is working strategically to capture market share, drive innovation and increase operational efficiencies. To reach these goals, the company has found success with automation, product variety, and building a positive work culture. Carma Labs believes in four core values that are vital to building an engaged and high performing team. 

Carma Labs Values: 

• Customer: Committed to exceeding customer needs
• Family: Supporting their employees, families, and community 
• Trust: Always do what is right, with integrity and respect
• Accountable: Passionate about continuous improvement and delivering results                    

Living these values has resulted in the company being recognized and certified as a “Great Place to Work” for the past three consecutive years.