Medline is continuing recovery and support operations following a June 11 fire at its distribution facility in Tracy, CA, according to updates provided by the company on its website.
In the updates, the company said that it is prioritizing employee well-being, community cleanup and uninterrupted delivery of medical supplies. All employees were safely evacuated during the incident and remain accounted for, which the company attributes to established safety protocols and emergency preparedness, including a recent evacuation drill conducted in April.
The company said it is providing financial assistance, reimbursement for damaged or lost belongings, and access to counseling services for affected workers. A command center and bilingual hotline remain in operation to deliver updates and connect employees with resources.
“Medline has always been defined by our resilience,” said Medline CEO Jim Boyle. “Yesterday was a difficult day, and while the fire at our Tracy, CA, distribution center represents a significant challenge, we are first and foremost grateful that every employee was safely evacuated and accounted for. Our priority right now is supporting our Tracy team. We’re providing on-site assistance, resources and ongoing communication as we work through next steps together. At the same time, we’re intensely focused on taking care of our customers. We have a command center in place to coordinate inventory across our network and redirect MedTrans drivers and third-party carriers – making every effort to ensure providers have the supplies they need to care for patients. I want to thank the first responders, local authorities, our Tracy team and every employee at Medline who stepped up during this challenging time. We’ve faced challenges before, and we will work through this one together. We have a big job to do, and a plan to do it.”
Cleanup efforts are ongoing at the Tracy facility and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Medline is working with local authorities and environmental response firm Clean Harbors to handle demolition and debris removal. To support area residents affected by the blaze, Medline has donated gloves and N95 masks for distribution and established a hotline to assist with debris cleanup needs.
Following the fire, Medline activated a command center and implemented contingency plans to reroute orders through other distribution centers. The company continues shipping products around the clock, using expanded staffing, additional inventory and increased transportation capacity to meet demand.
These efforts include the use of company-operated trucks, third-party carriers and relay systems to accelerate deliveries across the region. Medline said it is working to stabilize inventory flow and restore full operational capacity in Northern California. The Tracy facility primarily served as a regional fulfillment center, and nearby operations, including a site in Manteca, CA, have remained fully operational.
For updates on the fire and the recovery process, click here to visit Medline’s office site.
Photo Credit: Glenn Moore, Tracy Press
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