Our History

Discover how over two centuries of dedication to healthcare innovation and quality have shaped our journey. From our early days as a small business to becoming a trusted partner in medical supply and distribution, we have remained committed to supporting health and wellness. Discover the key moments, advancements, and values that have defined our growth and success. Join us in exploring a legacy built on service, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to better healthcare solutions.

The Claflin Company traces its roots back to the year 1817. It was over 200 years ago when founder Joseph Balch established the business as an apothecary located at 66 South Main Street in Providence, RI. His son, Joseph Pope Balch, decided upon a career in business instead of attending college, first working in the family store at the age of 14 as a clerk, and eventually becoming a partner of JB & Son.

In 1841 Joseph Pope Balch joined a militia unit known as the Providence Marine Corps of Artillery, and by 1857 he had risen to command of Rhode Island’s Second Militia brigade. At the outbreak of the war, he was appointed to the rank of major in the First Rhode Island Detached Militia on May 2, 1861

Balch (pictured seated 2nd from the left) succeeded to command of the regiment when its previous commander, Colonel Ambrose Burnside (seated middle) was promoted to brigadier general. Balch commanded the 1st Rhode Island at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. He was recognized for “coolness, steadiness, and courage under fire” when his appointment from an honorary brevet to the grade of Brevet Brigadier General of Volunteers was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 25, 1868.

After the war, Balch was a prominent member of Rhode Island society and had six daughters and a son. He held membership in civic organizations including the Rhode Island Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Industry, and the Providence Franklin society. He died suddenly in his home from an internal hemorrhage in 1872.

JB & Son flourished under the Balch family management until it was acquired in 1873 by George L. and Arthur W. Claflin. It was renamed to the Geo. L. Claflin Company in 1904.

Under the stewardship of the Claflin family the company grew and by 1886 was recognized as the leading retail druggist and apothecary firm in New England. The company expanded as an importer and jobber of commodities required by druggists or chemist throughout the region. At the time it created and manufactured many of its own pharmaceutical formulas, and employed 20 full time pharmacists, retail personnel and an outside sales force. Product selection grew to include many sundry items, fancy toiletries and perfumes.

The company continued to diversify, providing chemicals and acids and other supplies to Providence’s burgeoning jewelry industry. By 1900 the company was awarded exclusive distribution for the Dupont Paint line in New England. During these growth years the company came to occupy 62-72 South Main Street.

In 1904 the company was incorporated as the George L. Claflin Company. Since 1873 the company had doubled its warehousing space and increased its business three fold. Besides distributing a complete line of drugs, chemicals, patent medicines, surgical equipment and instruments, and jewelers’ supplies, the company expanded to manufacture fluid extracts, tinctures, and compressed tablets as well as distribute laboratory supplies.

The invoice dated July 1914 offers a remarkable glimpse into healthcare and wellness practices over a century ago, highlighting just how far medicine has come. In a time before modern antibiotics and advanced medical treatments, many of the products listed were simple remedies like “Atwood’s Bitters,” “Diapepsin,” and “Beecham’s Pills,” reflecting an era when treatments were often more folk-based than scientifically proven. The listing of items like “Ex-Lax,” “Sal Hepatica,” and “Nestle’s Food” indicates the focus on digestive health and general wellness, areas where people sought relief through over-the-counter products rather than medical consultation.

Seeking to expand their retail presence in Providence, the company purchased the prime downtown property at 150-160 Dorrance Street in 1930. The decision coincided with the onset of the great depression and by 1940 the company was forced to reorganize.

Following a brief hiatus, the George L. Claflin Company reopened in its new location at 40 Mathewson Street, Providence. Dr. Albert W. Claflin led a handful of loyal employees in reestablishing the business at that location where they remained for 19 years.

In 1959 the company was sold by the family to a group of senior managers including George H. Duggan who became President, Pasquale Faruolo, VP-Treasurer and Registered Pharmacist, William J. Rinaldi, Secretary, Asst. Treasurer and Office Manager, Kirk Smith, Attorney; and Pasquale Valone, Sales Manager. With the Mathewson Street facility facing demolition by the City, the company relocated to the former Nicholson File building at 1 Acorn Street, Providence, occupying some 17,000 square feet of warehouse, office and retail space.

The significantly expanded facility allowed the company the operational capability to support its dramatic sales growth. In December of 1987, the company acquired Pilgrim Medical Supply; a significant local competitor from Ohio based Harris Wholesale. With the increase of close to $10 million in sales the company expanded its geographic coverage throughout southeastern Massachusetts, eastern Connecticut, and greater Boston.

With the rapidly consolidating competitive market, the Claflin management team led by Almon turned a strategic eye to an innovation that would come to identify the company as an industry leader for many years. In 1986 Almon proposed the concept of applying Just-in-time inventory management techniques to the hospital marketplace. Still under construction and with budgetary restraints on support service areas, the new Women and Infants Hospital of RI became the first candidate to adopt the new concept. The program, still in operation today re-defined much of supply chain management in the industry. Almon was recognized by the Health Industry Distributors Association with its highest honor, the Industry Award of Distinction (Now the John Sasen Award) in 1997, and Claflin has retained its reputation for competence and innovation in advanced logistics for hospitals to the present.

In 1996 Claflin formed a working agreement with one of the few remaining independent distribution firms in the region, Metropolitan Supply Company of Cambridge MA. What started as a joint marketing agreement moved to an asset purchase by Claflin and the business was absorbed into the Claflin Company in February ’97.

Claflin was now operating two distribution centers in East Providence and Woburn MA and sought to consolidate to capture economies of scale. In July of 1998 the company moved its warehouse to the Airport Industrial Park, 455 Industrial Drive, Warwick, RI, and consolidated its headquarters there in 2001. It was also in 1998 that Claflin became the first Medical Distribution firm to achieve ISO 9000 registration, a distinction in quality assurance it maintains to this day.

With the growth of its subsidiary, Claflin Medical Equipment, that firm was relocated to nearby Jefferson Blvd in 2010. CME specializes in equipment project management, biomedical and logistic support services. The company has continued its dramatic growth through acquisitions in California and Greater New York and contracts with some of the industry’s leading Group Purchasing Organizations and Hospital groups and now operates nationally and in Canada as a free standing enterprise.

With changes in the market and demands shifting, the company saw an opportunity to fill a void in the supply chain – staffing. In 2014 Advanced Logistics Management (ALM) was formed as a staffing solution for distribution partners to provide part time employees who already possessed the necessary skills. As time progressed, ALM sought to fill more gaps in the supply chain by offering a range of logistics services while Claflin focused on distribution. From third-party logistics to IT services, ALM has the expertise to assist anyone with their supply chain needs.

In 2017 The Claflin Company celebrated 200 years of continuous business, having evolved from an apothecary in 1817 to a regional medical distributor and logistics service provider. To celebrate such an incredible milestone and to give back to the community, the Claflin team set out to accomplish 200 Acts of Kindness throughout the year. The employees held and participated in a variety of fundraisers, community service, volunteer activities and donations several days a week to reach and exceed the goal. Everyone at Claflin is proud to be part of a company with such a strong history and commitment to the same community as it was established.