MUNDELEIN, IL--(Marketwired - November 07, 2013) - The American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), a professional and scientific non-profit organization that has accredited more than 125 tissue banks worldwide, has entered into an agreement with Medline Industries, Inc. for its Medical Supply Purchasing Program. This affiliation makes Medline a preferred medical and surgical products provider for AATB. The three-year partnership, AATB's first-ever supply agreement, is expected to save AATB-accredited tissue banks a minimum of $6 million in medical and surgical supply costs by driving distribution efficiencies over the term of the agreement.

"AATB selected Medline because of their proven track record for delivering high quality products and services," said Frank Wilton, CEO of the American Association of Tissue Banks. "Medline's manufacturer-direct approach and supply chain management expertise are critical to tissue banking professionals, who are dedicated to improving and saving lives."

Medline, with 37 distribution centers strategically located throughout the United States, will provide its broad assortment of Medline and national brand products directly to AATB's national network of accredited tissue banks. Medline will also deliver cost savings and efficiencies by driving product standardization and utilization solutions, as well as providing enhanced reporting capabilities to help facilities better monitor and control costs.

"We are committed to meeting the needs of this unique and growing market," said Tom Powers, senior vice president, specialty markets and OEM sales for Medline. "Through our extensive distribution capabilities and utilization expertise, we can help AATB's accredited tissue banks reduce costs and at the same time improve productivity, which are essential when the health of patients is at stake."

About Medline

As the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of health care products, Medline manufactures and distributes more than 350,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, physician offices, home care agencies and providers, and retailers. Named one of the country's "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For," Medline is headquartered in Mundelein, Ill. and has more than 1,100 dedicated sales representatives to support its broad product line and cost management services. For more information on Medline, go to www.medline.com. Click here to find out how to connect with Medline on a variety of social media channels for all the latest news on initiatives, innovations and products.