NOW is still family owned as it has been from the beginning. El Richard started the company in 1968 and the entire family has contributed to the success of NOW.

NOW Foods’ 263,000 square foot facility is widely regarded as one of the most scientifically-advanced in the natural products industry. In addition to a thermostatically-controlled, space-maximizing warehouse, precision-inspired operations division, and temperature sensitive storage and refrigeration areas, NOW’s corporate facility also contains several in-house laboratories. Not only does this expedite the testing of raw materials, samples, and finished products, it allows for a level of quality control that is virtually unmatched within the Natural Products Industry. Ultimately, NOW’s facility plays a pivotal role in our ability to achieve consistent levels of quality, efficacy, and safety.

A two-story expansion project finished in 2009 added 27,000 square feet per level and houses a number of new facilities. The new levels include four new state of the art labs, including physical, micro, cosmetic, and food testing facilities. The addition of Real Time Lab Capability, along with a dedicated Prep lab allows NOW scientists the opportunity for increased environmental isolation during product development and testing. In addition, the expansion includes the construction of additional office space, with over two dozen new employee cubicles, five additional offices, and a dedicated area for photography and imaging.

The testing of raw materials, in-process formulas and finished products is an ongoing responsibility at NOW Foods. Experienced, educated, and highly trained technicians rely on the latest technology to perform a variety of tests throughout the entire manufacturing process. These include Identity, Potency, Microbial, Organoleptic, and Contamination. And while each type of test is important in manufacturing quality products, Microbial testing is critical in ensuring that NOW products are safe and free of biological contamination. NOW is one of the very few vitamin suppliers capable of testing for microbes in-house, allowing for greater control standards.

NOW Foods has received a 2010 Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award. This marks the third consecutive year that NOW has been a recipient of this award. NOW is one of only seven companies in Illinois to be awarded with the 2010 Continuous Improvement recognition for on-going sustainability efforts.

We are convinced that natural products are better than their synthetic counterparts and produce better results in human health. Therefore, wherever possible, we strive to provide products that contain natural ingredients because they are better for our customers.