Innovation at Medline

Innovation

Medline never stands still. The drive and constant desire for continual improvement is one of our core values. Each day, Medline employees are discovering ways to create new products, produce less waste and deliver what our customers need better, faster and with enhanced value.

A History of Innovation
In 1910, A.L. Mills bought a sewing machine and started making protective garments in his Chicago home. Four generations later, the Mills family — and now their extended Medline family — are still innovating. In the last four years alone, 135 Medline employees have been granted more than 100 patents.

In the 1940s, Mills Hospital Supply manufactured the first colored surgical gown. The first colors were misty and jade green.

Medline was the first to develop colored surgeons’ gowns to alleviate eye strain for surgeons and OR staff; the first to coat exam gloves with aloe to protect and soothe health care workers’ hands; and most recently, Medline received the Chicago Innovation Award for BioMask™, the first FDA-cleared antiviral face mask.

In 2012, Medline introduced the nation’s first FDA-cleared antiviral face mask in the U.S.

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