2020
"We were aware of the Nebraska MEP’s positive reputation across the state and they delivered by providing expertise through the University of Nebraska’s Food Processing Center to help us ensure the safety of our food products so we could continue to operate and thrive in our food production business."
Mike Tielke, President
Tielke Sandwiches ensures safety of product for the consumer
Tielke Sandwiches, Inc. is a premium convenience foods company based in Norfolk, NE. that has been handcrafting quality sandwiches since 1983. They distribute their product throughout 16 states in the Midwest. They employ approximately 30 people.
The Challenge
Tielke Sandwiches wanted to continue to produce safe quality products and be in full compliance with food manufacturing regulations, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in particular. It was necessary to ensure that there was a preventive controls-qualified individual on staff that could oversee food safety and quality control.
Tielke Sandwiches engaged the Nebraska MEP, part of the MEP National Network™, and University of Nebraska Food Processing Center for two training events designed to help the company meet food safety and quality needs required by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
MEP's Role
The Nebraska MEP and the Food Processing Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln provided two programs for Tielke Sandwiches. One was to properly train a preventive controls-qualified individual under FMSA regulations through the completion of a two-day class. The second provided one-on-one assistance in the analysis and fine tuning of their food safety plan, including the validation of their preventive controls and reviews of the recordkeeping procedures for Tielke Sandwiches.
Results
 | $100,000 in retained sales |
 | 5 jobs retained and 1 new job created |
 | $100,000 invested in new plant and equipment |
 | $50,000 invested in new products and processes |
