Over 25,000 products
In-house branding
Your own account team
Own van deliveries

THE NATURES WAY FOODS CASE STUDY

Jessica Mihell

Strategic Buyer - Operations

Working with SMI has made my role so much easier, especially in placing orders online, communication, delivery, and employee satisfaction.

The whole lifecycle has definitely been easier for us."

1500

Employees
4

Manufacturing Sites
2024

Partnership started

A FAST-MOVING PARTNERSHIP

Natures Way Foods operates four manufacturing sites, with PPE requirements that vary by role and work environment.

The business wanted a more local and responsive approach, with sustainability and service playing an important role in the relationship.

Since 2024, SMI has worked closely with the team to simplify supply and support the demands of its food manufacturing operation.

From MY-SMI® and wearer packs to product trials and dedicated account support, the partnership makes everyday procurement easier.

THE PARTNERSHIP

Supporting a varied food manufacturing workforce requires the right products, reliable supply, and an understanding of different working environments.

We focus on:

Simpler procurement: Using MY-SMI® and wearer packs to make ordering and distributing PPE easier
Responsive support: Combining regular communication, dedicated account management, and reliable delivery
Shared sustainability goals: Supporting ESG priorities through recycling, eco product options, and Scope 3 reporting
Food manufacturing expertise: Understanding PPE requirements across high-care, low-care, and other working environments

BUILT AROUND THE OPERATION

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, SMI works with Natures Way Foods to understand how requirements differ across its operation.

That means finding practical solutions that work for its people while adapting as requirements change.

MAKING PROCUREMENT EASIER

Managing PPE across a varied workforce can add complexity to everyday procurement, particularly when employees have different requirements.

The MY-SMI® portal gives Natures Way Foods a simpler way to manage orders, with wearer packs assigned to individual employees. Each pack is clearly labelled, helping products reach the right person once delivered.

Combined with SMI’s own van delivery service, this creates a more joined-up process from ordering through to receiving PPE on site.

For the procurement team, that means greater visibility and less administration day to day.

Here's what they had to say:

Working with the MY-SMI® portal has made our lives so much easier in procurement. It saves a lot of time, effort, and unnecessary communication."
Jessica Mihell - Strategic Buyer

KEEPING PACE WITH CHANGE

Regular contact gives the team access to people who understand the business and can help identify practical solutions.

Product trials and wearer feedback add to this approach, helping ensure products are suited to different roles and working environments.

Paul Barker, Procurement Category Manager at Natures Way Foods, explains:

"The business changes so quickly. It’s day to day, literally hour to hour, and it’s really good to have a company like SMI that can react as quickly as we do to our customers."

Explore product trials

A partnership built for what’s next

It’s working so, so well. They’re always in contact with us, offering new products and services, and always price-checking.

SMI have a very good ESG strategy, which Natures Way would like to mirror.

It would be good to bring those strategies together, ensuring SMI’s aligns with ours and ours with our customers. Together, we can support our Scope 1, 2, and 3 goals as a group."

Paul Barker

Procurement Category Manager