The past year for Medline has been transformative, with the defining moment arriving last week with an initial public offering that ushers in a new era in the evolution of the largest provider of medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions across all points of care.

While this milestone is historic, it isn’t the only significant story for Medline in the past year. As the next chapter begins, here’s a look at some of the company’s top news of 2025, from new products to pivotal supply chain enhancements, and from notable recognitions and anniversaries to strengthened community ties:

POWERFUL (AND MPOWER-FUL) RELATIONSHIPS

In June, Medline set the table for what’s expected to be a major advancement in supply chain resiliency when it offered a first look at Mpower™, a cloud-based “AI digital control tower” for product substitutions, approvals and communications that’s planned for release in early 2026. Built in collaboration with Microsoft, the Mpower solution will combine AI convenience with data and forecasts from the existing Mpower Foundations™ risk-profiling and prediction platform to help customers proactively and more easily identify backup products in the event of supply chain disruptions.

Additionally, Medline officially launched the Pack 360 Analysis, a system that assesses customers’ supply needs to help them proactively manage inventory and optimize storage space. The company also began piloting Ranpak, an innovative packaging technology that helps reduce waste and increase efficiency by shaping and customizing boxes according to the size of their contents. This pilot was included in Medline’s annual sustainability report, which also highlighted, among other efforts, the company’s first global climate risk assessment and the expansion of its ReNewal program for reprocessing single-use devices.

IN WITH THE NEW

In 2025, Medline added several well-received innovations to its portfolio of approximately 190,000 Medline Brand products, including the ComfortTemp Patient Warming System, which addresses common drawbacks of other patient warming systems by introducing a retractable lock-in hose and a rotating elbow connector to make the unit easier for clinicians to position.

In September, Medline UNITE introduced the FORCECORD Midsubstance Achilles Repair System and the DEXLOCK Knotless Double Row Achilles Repair System, new tools designed to drive better outcomes after Achilles repairs and Haglund’s procedures. Those arrivals were in addition to the launches of the REFLEX HYBRID Nitinol Implant System and the Synthetic Ligament Augmentation implant earlier in the year.

MILES OF MILESTONES

Medline reached a significant moment of reflection in June when it celebrated the 25th anniversary of its entrance into the skin care market. Over the last quarter century, the company has developed a rainbow of skin- and wound-care products, including its popular Remedy line, as well as educational programs and in-service support from Medline clinicians and skin-health specialists on the proper use of Medline products.

Another milestone was the 50th “birthday” of Medline’s facility in Arlington Heights, Ill., where company leaders joined employees for a celebration in September. The facility uses reverse osmosis to produce sterilized water for medical devices and has been part of the Medline family since 2022.

MAKING ROOM

Speaking of Medline’s facilities, some of the most visible transformations in 2025 included new or upgraded company workspaces. In addition to opening a new office location in Northbrook, Ill., not far from its corporate headquarters in Northfield, Medline completed a major expansion of its office space at the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago to accommodate a growing workforce there. And at the Northfield headquarters, Medline opened a spacious, modernized sales training center designed to help better prepare and develop its specialized salesforce.

Up the road in Grayslake, Ill., Medline also teamed with PowerFlex to install nearly 12,000 new solar panels at its 1.4 million-square-foot flagship distribution center – Medline’s 12th solar installation to date.

KEY RECOGNITIONS

Less than two weeks before the IPO announcement, Medline CEO Jim Boyle (below) was in the news in December when he was named one of Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for a second straight year. Another Medline leader, Brad Mariam, executive vice president of non-acute care sales, received a McKnight’s “Marketplace Influencer” Pinnacle Award in March, highlighting the strategic vision behind Medline’s ongoing efforts in senior care and homecare.

In September, Medline was chosen as Medical-Surgical Supplier of the Year by HealthTrust Performance Group, a recognition of its excellence in providing high-quality products, efficient distribution and significant value for business partners. Later, in November, the Chicago Tribune recognized Medline as one of the top area workplaces for a 15th time.

BETTER TOGETHER

Medline’s impact was felt not only by customers and team members but also surrounding communities and even prospective employees. Early in the year, the Black Employee Network, one of seven employee resource groups at Medline, tied a bow on a monthlong effort around Martin Luther King Jr. Day to collect food for local food banks. In June, Medline became the sole sponsor of the Eye Dissection Show at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago, where museum staff, using Medline products, dissect real cow eyeballs to teach about the anatomy of the eye.

In November, the M-VET employee resource group for veterans, military personnel and allies released a special podcast series aimed at helping those who have worn the uniform readjust to civilian life in roles where they can repurpose their military skills. And over the summer, the company hosted its third annual National Truck Rodeo, an opportunity for MedTrans drivers to showcase both their technical skills and their dedication to safety.

Here’s to an equally exciting road ahead in 2026.

Keep up with the latest Medline developments in the new year and beyond by bookmarking the News & Insights homepage.