Ritedose has been built on the generosity, mentorship, and support of countless individuals and organizations across South Carolina. And with that good fortune comes a responsibility to give back to our patients, our people, and our community.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on what’s been a truly momentous year and the many blessings that have shaped both my personal journey and the growth of our organization. Although I typically don’t put much stock in anniversaries, 2025 does mark 30 years since the company’s founding, so it is a natural moment to look in the rearview mirror to see how far we have come and reflect on what brought us here.
Over the past 3 decades, the company has transformed from a showroom for Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS) manufacturing machinery, to a contract development manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in sterile, unit-dose medications, and additionally added capabilities to produce our own generic respiratory and ophthalmic medications for patients in need of affordable options.
To support this transformation, our facilities have grown tenfold: from 50,000 to more than 500,000 square feet, culminating in this year’s grand opening of Ritedose Performance Park and our new distribution and logistics center. But growth isn’t just measured in square footage; it’s measured in lives touched and jobs created. Over that same period, our staff has grown from 11 employees to more than 600—a gain of over 500 jobs that support families across our region and strengthen the local economy.
As I look at the factors that have driven this exponential growth, one thing stands out. Ritedose has been built on the generosity, mentorship, and support of countless individuals and organizations across South Carolina. And with that good fortune comes a responsibility to give back to our patients, our people, and our community.
I was born and raised in South Carolina, and I owe much of my success to the people and institutions across the Palmetto State who invested in me. From my formative high school years in Liberty, SC, to my early days at Fuji, to my first role at Ritedose in 2005 as Materials Manager, mentors like Mrs. Kathy Duncan Grant and Ms. Carolyn Brice (leading student council), and other colleagues and leaders, such as Mr. Harry Watanable, helped me translate experience into impact.
Inspired by my own journey and by Booker T. Washington’s words, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else,” as CEO, I have sought to infuse that same spirit of generosity into our organizational mission. It is a mindset that serves us well.
At Ritedose, giving back is central to our growth strategy and corporate culture. We believe that blessed organizations should bless others, which is why this year, we launched “1000 Hours of Purpose,” a bold new volunteer initiative that goes beyond traditional corporate philanthropy. Instead of simply encouraging staff to volunteer on their own time, Ritedose is donating 1,000 hours of employee paid volunteer time to support local organizations addressing urgent needs like hunger, housing, and youth support.
In partnership with United Way of the Midlands, our teams have supported:
- Homeless No More, a transitional shelter for families
- Home Works of America, which provides critical home repairs for low-income residents
- Palmetto Place, a safe haven for homeless youth
- Transitions, which helps individuals move from homelessness to stable housing
Recent volunteer activities include:
- Sorting donations at Harvest Hope Food Bank
- Delivering meals through Senior Resources’ Meals on Wheels
- Organizing inventory for The Cooperative Ministry
These contributions bring our mission to life in tangible ways and are quickly becoming one of the most meaningful ways we live our values.
But investments in programs like 1000 Hours of Purpose are more than charitable gestures; they’re strategic investments in our people. Helping others fosters connection, deepens engagement, and builds a shared sense of purpose. The result is a culture that retains talent and drives performance.
As a manufacturer of sterile medications, quality is non-negotiable. Our mantra is “Right First Time,” and we are driven to exceed industry standards. Yes, our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities matter—but they depend on skilled, knowledgeable people.
It’s our culture that helps us retain talent and consistently achieve 90–93% RFT metric, compared to the industry average of often below 85%. When we invest in our people, we improve operations and strengthen the foundation for our future.
This season reminds us that gratitude isn’t just a feeling, it’s a practice. So, as we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, I invite you to reflect on the blessings in your life and to consider how you might share them. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply lending a hand, each of us has the power to lift others, and in doing so, lift ourselves.
Warmly,
Jody Chastain
CEO, Ritedose Corporation
