Our History

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Medline is America’s largest provider of medical supplies and solutions, family-led for four generations.

Our roots date back to 1910 when A.L. Mills founded a Chicago garment factory that made aprons for the stock yards. Nuns working as seamstresses at a nearby hospital approached A.L. about making the hospital’s garments, such as surgeon’s gowns and nursing uniforms, so they could spend their time caring for patients.

When A.L.’s son, Irving, took over the garment business in 1930, World War II created an unprecedented demand for medical supplies. He started distributing general medical supplies in addition to the garments, and the Mills Hospital Supply company was born.

Fast forward to today. Medline Industries, Inc. stands as a fourth generation, family-owned company offering over 550,000 medical products and clinical solutions to healthcare facilities around the world. With 26,000 plus employees and more than $13.9 billion in sales, we are the fastest-growing and hardest working medical supply company today.

We have successfully responded to the changing needs of this highly complex industry. And, we have remained dedicated to delivering the best quality products, services and clinical programs at a value, helping to make healthcare affordable for all.

1912
Mills Hospital Supplies incorporated: Begins manufacturing surgical gowns and uniforms.
1930
Mills Hospital Supply manufactures first colored surgical gown. The first colors being misty and jade green.
1966
Originally named Medco, Medline is founded by A.L.’s grandsons Jim and Jon with approximately 2,000 sq. feet of warehouse space and one loading dock in Evanston, Ill.
1997
Charlie, Andy and Jimmy begin running the company, continuing the long legacy of the Mills family in the healthcare industry.
2002
Medline goes International and currently has offices in 20 countries around the globe.
2007
Medline acquires and re-energizes the CURAD brand, introducing a variety of first aid innovations.
2014
Medline acquires Professional Hospital Supply, a leading manufacturer of custom procedure trays.