Southwire is expanding access to essential hygiene products by installing free menstrual product dispensers across company locations in partnership with Aunt Flow, a leading provider of workplace menstrual product solutions.
The initiative, which will provide team members with reliable access to menstrual products while at work, reflects Southwire's ongoing commitment to creating an Extraordinary Place to Work. Once installation is complete, free products will be available in approximately 200 restrooms across Southwire locations.
"At Southwire, creating an extraordinary place to work means removing barriers and ensuring team members have access to the resources they need to be successful," said Cara Herzog, vice president of Talent, Inclusion & Team Member Experience. "Providing free menstrual products is a simple but meaningful way to support team member well-being and enhance the workplace experience across our locations."
The initiative was championed by Southwire's Women's Network Employee Resource Group (ERG) and brought to life through collaboration among the Talent, Inclusion and Team Member Experience, People & Culture, Sustainability and Real Estate teams. Over the course of more than a year, the cross-functional team evaluated workplace needs, benchmarked industry practices, reviewed vendor options and developed a standardized approach to menstrual product access across the company.
Following a review of multiple vendors, the project team selected Aunt Flow based on its mission, product quality, sustainability practices and operational model. As a social enterprise, Aunt Flow works to expand access to menstrual products through both workplace solutions and community impact initiatives.
“What impressed us about Southwire was the combination of scale and intention behind this rollout, along with its commitment to making period care a meaningful part of the workplace experience rather than an afterthought,” said Claire Coder, founder and CEO of Aunt Flow. “Expanding free period care to approximately 200 restrooms requires more than installing dispensers. It takes thoughtful planning around consistency, maintenance and employee experience across multiple locations. The involvement of the Women’s Network and teams across Talent, People & Culture, Sustainability and Real Estate demonstrates a shared commitment to creating workplaces where period care is simply part of the support employees can count on every day.”
Aunt Flow’s products are made with 100% certified organic cotton and are free from synthetic materials, dyes and toxins. The company's high-capacity dispensers hold up to five times more products than conventional units, can be reloaded in approximately 30 seconds and feature a refill window that helps facilities and custodial teams monitor inventory levels. The dispensers were selected for their durability, ease of maintenance and ability to provide a consistent experience across Southwire locations.
Installations are currently underway and will continue in phases, with completion expected during the first half of 2027.
In addition to supporting team member well-being, the initiative highlights the impact Employee Resource Groups can have in identifying opportunities and driving meaningful workplace improvements.
"The Women's Network recognized a need, brought together the right partners and helped champion a practical solution," Herzog said. "This effort is a great example of how Employee Resource Groups can help shape initiatives that strengthen the team member experience."
By investing in solutions that promote well-being, accessibility and inclusion, Southwire continues to create a workplace where team members have the resources and support they need to succeed.
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