TOP 10 PPE Suppliers in the USA (Ultimate 2021 List)
Are you looking to know who the top Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suppliers are in the US?
In order to make this article useful to as many people as possible, we define PPE suppliers as PPE distributors and retailers that directly sell to businesses, instead of manufacturers (save a few vertically integrated ones).
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, practically every company out there purchased PPE, notably masks and hand sanitizer, in order to comply with state mandates and ensure the health & safety of employees and customers.
Many of you are wanting a list of the vetted PPE distributors in order to completely avoid any risks of nonperformance. You've come to the right place. We've put together a vetted list of top-tier suppliers of PPE. Certainly, it's not an exhaustive list but do business with any of the below names and you'll be in good hands.
Who are the top 10 PPE suppliers in the USA in 2021?
1. Mersi Distribution
Miami, FLwww.shopmersi.com
Overview: Mersi Distribution is a premier, family-owned and operated supplier of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Why it's on the list (no bias, of course):
- Industry-leading PPE pricing backed by Low Price Guarantee (if a competitor's price is lower on any product, Mersi Distribution will beat their price for you by 10%).
- Fast & free 2-day shipping
- Exclusively focused on PPE with growing product selection and deep product knowledge/expertise.
- 24/7/365 helpful and ultra-responsive customer service (live chat, email, phone).
- Unique customer experience featuring unlimited free samples and Gloves GroupBuy, a first-of-its-kind buying experience providing low-volume customers with high-volume pricing on nitrile exam grade gloves.
- Insightful PPE blog
- Agile provider of special-purpose, optimally located warehouses for multi-site customers needing stress-free distribution.
- Awarded large-scale annual PPE contracts with government agencies and school districts. High-profile private sector customers, especially in retail and healthcare.
2. McKesson
Irving, TXwww.mckesson.com
Overview: McKesson (NYSE: MCK) is the oldest and largest healthcare company in the nation, serving more than 50% of U.S. hospitals and 20% of physicians.
Why it's on the list:
- Sheer size makes McKesson a formidable player in the provision of healthcare products and services, among them PPE.
- Enormous scale provides McKesson unmatched buyer power and ability to stock hundreds of thousands of PPE items.
- Technology services such as McKesson Business Analytics offers useful tools such as a PPE Estimator, which helps customers predict their PPE burn rate, view current levels of market availability for PPE items, and anticipate needs based on inputs.
- Dedicated teams for larger customers
3. Cardinal Health
Dublin, OH www.cardinalhealth.com
Overview: Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is a distributor of pharmaceuticals, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of performance and data solutions for healthcare facilities.
Why it's on the list:
- Another member of the Fortune 500 oligopoly that dominates the provision of products and services to the healthcare industry. Renowned, well-regarded brand.
- Vertical integration with PPE manufacturing and distribution provides Cardinal with a competitive edge compared to pure distributors and retailers who have been faced with PPE allocation challenges.
- Awarded multi-million dollar federal PPE contracts to support US stockpiles.
- Impressive supplier network
4. Medline
Northfield, ILwww.medline.com
Overview: Medline is a privately held, family-owned and led manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products and services.
Why it's on the list:
- Unique hybrid model of manufacturing and distribution of Medline products (vertical integration) provides Medline with a PPE supply chain less vulnerable to manufacturer whims and allocations.
- Medline products, PPE included, are well-regarded for their superior quality.
- Focused on providing a holistic experience to the customer with free consultation.
5. Henry Schein
Melville, NYwww.henryschein.com
Overview: Henry Schein (NASDQ: HSIC) is a Fortune 500, leading U.S. distributor to licensed health care providers with a global footprint.
Why it's on the list:
- Fortune 500, juggernaut distributor with nationally recognized brand and 1+ million customers.
- Comprehensive product selection.
- 99% of items ship same-day.
- Holistic services, solutions, and resources offered to complement pure distribution.
- Robust supply chain technologies on offer, ranging from inventory management to receiving & reconciliations.
- Recognized by high-profile institutions as a consistently ethical company.
6. W.W. Grainger
Lake Forest, ILwww.grainger.com
Overview: W.W. Grainger (NYSE: GWW) is a Fortune 500 industrial supply company.
Why it's on the list:
- Over 160,000 products in its safety category alone.
- Vast distribution network nationwide.
- Value-add PPE audits, services, training, and content.
- Owns Zoro, a rapidly growing, no-frills online retailer leveraging Grainger's safety/PPE product selection - and focused on SMBs.
- Premium PPE brands are regularly in stock thanks to Grainger's deep buying power.
7. Fastenal
Winona, MNwww.fastenal.com
Overview: Fastenal (NASDAQ: FAST) is another Fortune 500 industrial distributor and the largest fastener distributor in North America.
Why it's on the list:
- Vast selection of safety products/PPE.
- Service model with in-market locations nationwide and innovative vending system gives Fastenal its edge in terms of being physically where customers are.
- Good PPE guides and content.
8. Uline
Pleasant Prairie, WIwww.uline.com
Overview: Uline is a leading, privately held provider of shipping, industrial, and warehouse supplies. Family-owned and led.
Why it's on the list:
- Wide selection of PPE available through a no-frills, easy-to-use website.
- Heavy focus on domestic manufacturing, limiting customer's supply chain risk compared to other companies.
- Similar to Medline, Uline is focused on its own branded products with a promise of better quality - no 3rd party vendors.
- Orders placed before 6pm ship same-day from one of 11 distribution centers scattered nationwide.
9. Ritz Safety
Dayton, Ohiowww.ritzsafety.com
Overview: Provider of safety products.
Why it's on the list:
- Over 200,000 available products
- 13 nationwide sales & distribution centers
- 3rd party and private label PPE
10. Northern Safety Co. (Wurth Group)
Utica, NYwww.northernsafety.com
Overview: Provider of safety & industrial products.
Why it's on the list:
- Over 100,000 core products
- Custom printing on products
- Facilities nationwide