Patrick Zachary is the new director of manufacturing at Enstrom Candies and he’s off to a good start.

In his short time with the Colorado-based production facility, it’s officially become a Safe Quality Food (SQF)  Level 3 Certified, accredited HACCP-based food safety plant. The company achieved the status after applying for the first time.

Zachary says obtaining the official recognition is the new standard for doing business with high profile consumers in the industry.

Patrick Zachary

 “An accomplishment like this validates all the hard work of our team, their commitment to the company and our customers,” he says.

The SQF plan is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which is internationally recognized, distinguishing food manufacturers as responsible and safe. Enstrom Candies received the SQF certification in December 2013 after months of preparation and the extensive audits conducted by Silliker Inc.

Zachary, past president and ceo of Zachary Confections, brings more than 15 years of candy industry experience to the business.  He will contribute his expertise to the business’s manufacturing, strategic planning, sales and marketing, says Doug Simons, Enstrom’s president and ceo.

 “We’re very pleased to have Patrick join our team at Enstrom. He brings an ideal skill set to help us continue to grow as a significant player on the national scene,” Simons explains.

Patrick and his family relocated from Indianapolis and were all very excited at the opportunity to live in Colorado.

  “It has been a lifelong dream of mine to live in Colorado and with this new endeavor with Enstrom, I get to realize my dream and be back in the industry that I love,” exclaims Patrick.

Enstrom Candies, known worldwide for its almond toffee, has been operating in Grand Junction, Colo. for more than 50 years. In addition to their World Famous Almond Toffee, the fourth-generation, family-run business creates a variety of confections, including assorted chocolates, truffles, premium ice cream and gourmet toffee popcorn.