Australian medical and hygiene supplier Livingstone International has built its 40-year success on a simple premise — stock what customers need before they need it.
The approach has seen the company evolve from a medical distributor into a supplier for more than 20 sectors, from aged care and education to aviation, pathology, and mining.
Managing Director Daniel Linn says Livingstone’s “No Backorder Policy” has been central to that growth. “We’ve invested in millions of cubic metres of warehouse space across Australia where we can hold up to a year’s worth of supplies for our key clients,” he explains. “That means when disruptions occur — whether it’s a pandemic, port delay, or supplier shortfall — we already have the inventory on hand.”
The company now holds more than $48 million in local stock and manufactures 120 products domestically, while sourcing globally across 120 countries. “Much of what Australia relies on is imported,” Daniel says. “Waiting two or three months for a shipment can’t be an option for hospitals or government agencies. Having local stock removes that risk.”
Founded in 1984, Livingstone’s diversification grew from a simple idea. “If we can supply products to people when they’re unwell, why not also when they’re well? That mindset has guided which industries we’ve entered and how we can meet needs year-round,” he says.
Daniel says the company is “already adopting automation and AI to make our supply chain smarter” and expanding its digital platforms to reach new customers. “Our goal is to help secure Australia’s supply chain — ensuring essential industries always have what they need, when they need it.”
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