Globalization has shortened the time for products and processes to reach maturity. Thus, for financial growth, food and consumer product companies must reduce their cycle times; ie, must reduce the time required between idea and market introduction. Pilot plant construction and operation comprise a major portion of the product development cycle. Creative use of third parties at the pilot plant stage of product development can significantly reduce cycle time, thereby accelerating the rate at which new products are introduced into the market. This paper describes how Shell Global Solutions developed the NEODOX(TM) product line using contract product development facilities to reduce cycle time. Specific and general problems involved in developing NEODOX (TM) will be discussed.