In the early 1950s, amid the noise and bustle of one of the world’s most populated cities, Jorge Molina grew up near a laboratory.
At the age of 12, he would watch through the lab’s window and found himself captivated by the quiet routine of people in white lab coats, coming and going as they went about their day.
It was interesting but not practical work for a 12-year-old, so he worked other jobs to help support his family.
When he was 16, he took a position with Wella, the legacy hair and beauty brand, and his first glimpse into the beauty business before coming to the United States.
Once he settled in Los Angeles, he began a 17-year career at vitamin behemoth Pharmavite. There, he gained the skills and inspiration to launch his own company and turned it into one of the most established names in the local vitamin and dietary supplement industry.
But in 1991, everyone told him that a one-man operation, especially one with only one client, would never last.
“The chances of an immigrant from Latin America to survive in this industry three decades ago were very low,” says George Molina, Jorge’s son. “But in spite of all the dissuasion, he kept going and believed in himself.”
One client turned into a handful, and then, when they landed a subsidiary of a major brand, they began to soar.
M&L produces hard capsules and powders within a broad spectrum of supplement needs, such as botanicals,
Jorge Molina herbs, vitamins, multivitamins, minerals, and sports nutrition products.
“We focus solely on capsules and powders. Most of our work is in multivitamins, minerals, and Vitamin C in capsules,” George says. “Seventy-five percent of our production is focused on capsules and the rest on powders.”
Supplements are created and shipped in one facility, and nothing is ever outsourced overseas, although clients choose and send their raw materials, the Certificate of Analysis, and all third-party lab testing results.
Now in business for nearly 34 years, no other manufacturer understands the specific requirements and challenges associated with each supplement category better than M&L.
Fortunately, it’s a thrilling time to be in the wellness market, estimated to be worth about $480 billion in the United States alone and expected to grow by at least five percent each coming year.
Thanks in part to Gen Z and Millennial shoppers, who invest more in wellness than other generations, it’s clear that people aren’t skimping on products that help them look and feel their best.
While North America remains a key focus, where a Made in the USA label will always be a sign of excellence, “We see Asia as a promising region for future growth and are ready to serve a broader clientele across the globe,” Molina says.
M&L Pharmaceutical’s spotless record is uncommon in an industry that tends to lack transparency: Molina adheres to the strictest cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) regulations, “Ensuring consistent quality and safety in every product the firm produces,” he says.
“It’s not always easy to know what you’re getting,” according to George, in dietary supplements. “We address this challenge by selecting clients who commit to ingredient transparency and customer honesty.”
With their extensive experience with various raw materials positions, Mr. Molina and his team can tell when certain component ingredients used within the dietary supplement industry aren’t a good choice for a product in production.
Specialization in ingredients means that M&L can troubleshoot quickly. “After nearly 34 years in business, we know what to expect and what to do if something goes awry,” he adds.
“We uphold the highest ethical standards, keep promises, and meet deadlines. Our longtime clients appreciate this and know that M&L will always have their best interests at heart.”
One question the company often hears is why it hasn’t launched a product line of its own. “We help our customers formulate their product, but we have never had our own line in order to avoid competing with our clients,” Molina says.
“We are devoted solely to our clients’ success and focus on helping them accomplish their goals. We feel that by launching our own product line, there would be a conflict of interest, and this would not allow us to prioritize our customers wholly.”
If their customer-first values sound like a family business, that’s because they have continued to be one, after more than three decades. Deeply rooted in family, M&L offers a strong sense of unity, purpose, and a close-knit culture, and some employees have been with the company for over 25 years. Jorge’s son, George, oversees the growth and operations of the brand as vice president and co-owner.
As one of the longest-running manufacturers in the Inland Empire, M&L Pharmaceutical also understands the importance of corporate social responsibility. The firm actively contributes to the community, donating to organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and educational organizations, reflecting their dedication to the well-being and education of future generations.
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