​Products Manufactured in Inland Empire Selected at Walmart’s Open Call

From Walmart: Out of more than 500 businesses from across the nation at the fourth annual Walmart Open Call event held in Bentonville, Ark. on June 28, two companies with manufacturing operations in the Inland Empire were selected to feature products in stores for the world’s largest retailer.

At nearly 700 meetings, entrepreneurs representing 47 states and Puerto Rico were asked to pitch their products to Walmart buyers. The Inland Empire had a strong showing with products selected for their uniqueness, quality and fit with customer needs. Selected products included: Carson's Fully Cooked Ribs and Gourmet Orange Chili Soy Sauce from Haven Sales & Marketing, made in Ontario; and ear and eye scrubbers and nasal swabs from Karewell Brands, Inc., made in Rancho Cucamonga.

The Open Call event is part of Walmart’s investment in communities and job growth through its 10-year, $250 billion commitment to American manufacturing. “American entrepreneurship is on full display during Open Call. Today has been a fantastic show of innovation, and we are proud to extend an offer and digital shelf space on Walmart.com to today’s participants,” Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart Vice President, U.S. Manufacturing. Marsiglio said investments in U.S. manufacturing are important to not only job growth but product innovation. All of these chosen products are manufactured locally in the Inland Empire and include:

Karewell Brands, Inc.

After looking for a better way to clean ears, Joel Jackson came up with Earscrubbers. Headquartered in Sherman Oaks with manufacturing in Rancho Cucamonga, Karewell Brands Inc. holds three medical device patents and manufactures ear and eye scrubbers and nasal swabs that provide solutions for the many people who depend on over the counter treatments, such as earwax removal kits, sinus congestion treatments and nasal congestion treatments, as a first option for meeting family health care needs. These products aim to provide a safe, effective, affordable and convenient way to treat these types of ailments. The products will be carried in Walmart stores throughout the country starting next summer. A short video including a demo of the product can be seen here.

“My experience at Open Call was phenomenal. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly,” said Jackson. “It means a lot to our company. We will be able to provide American jobs, grow our company and diversify our revenue streams for our company. It also makes us proud to see our product, which started as a sketch, be carried and sold in the largest retailer in the world.”

Haven Sales & Marketing

Started in a college dorm room by two Texas A&M college students, Haven Sales & Marketing (Ontario) Gourmet Orange Chili Soy Sauce was chosen to be sold in approximately 250 Walmart stores mainly throughout California and Texas starting this fall, with expansion to other areas expected. The company has already created 70 jobs manufacturing this product and other flavored soy sauces. The company’s Carson’s Fully Cooked Ribs were also selected for sales in Walmart stores. More information about this item can be found here.

For more information, or to be connected with one of these local suppliers please contact Tiffany Metti at tmetti@swspr.com or 858-541-7800.

Photo courtesy of Walmart