This week, Medline, ranked as the largest provider of medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions in healthcare, announced the recipients of its prestigious Distribution Center of the Year awards alongside the SAFE Awards, which recognize the highest-performing facilities across its network in the United States. This marks a significant occasion as Medline has been acknowledging its top operational facilities for over two decades, underscoring the company's commitment to excellence within the supply chain,
The annual Distribution Center of the Year awards are given based on objective evaluations determined by various criteria, including safety, service quality, cost efficiency, and the dedication of personnel. Similarly, the SAFE Awards are given based on key performance indicators related to safety, with a focus on minimizing recordable safety incidents. This structured approach fosters a culture centered around safety and operational efficiency, making a tangible impact on Medline's ability to deliver essential medical supplies reliably across the country.
Medline operates a robust supply chain that ensures timely delivery to healthcare providers, a feat made possible by an expansive network of 45 distribution centers strategically located throughout the U.S. Sean Halligan, Medline’s Executive Vice President of Supply Chain, highlighted the role of dedicated employees in achieving impressive operational results, saying, "Medline's ability to provide next-day delivery to 95% of our U.S. customers is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team members. These awards celebrate the commitment to safety and diligent efforts to meet our clients' needs.”
Among the notable awardees, the Richmond, Virginia distribution center had a standout performance, uniquely achieving the honor of winning both the Distribution Center of the Year and the SAFE Award. John Lemons, Senior Director of Operations at the Richmond facility, expressed pride in his team's commitment to fostering a safety-first culture. He noted, "This award reflects our team's daily choices to prioritize safety, accountability, and mutual respect, ensuring we can all return home safely at the end of the day."
Nick Throckmorton, an inventory control lead at the Richmond facility, added that working in a safe environment allows him to focus on his tasks without the added stress of worrying about personal safety while navigating around the distribution center.
The awarded facilities for the 2025 SAFE Awards include:
- - Tier 1: Katy, Texas
- - Tier 2: Mebane, North Carolina
- - Tier 3: Richmond, Virginia
- - Tier 4: Lincolnton, North Carolina
The Distribution Center of the Year awardees for 2025 are:
- - Tier 1: Rialto, California
- - Tier 2: Southaven, Mississippi
- - Tier 3: Richmond, Virginia
- - Tier 4: Medley, Florida
These recognitions affirm Medline's commitment to not only maintain but enhance its operational standards, ensuring that healthcare providers receive outstanding service alongside products delivered with safety in mind. As Medline continues to drive positive change in the medical supply industry, the company emphasizes the importance of creating safe and efficient working environments as part of a broader mission to improve healthcare outcomes across the board. To learn more about Medline and its contributions to healthcare supply chains, visit
Medline's official website.