Our History
It started with "Doc"
The name MWI comes from the initials of Millard Wallace Ickes, a DVM and accomplished equestrian, affectionately known as Doc. In the mid 1970’s, he recognized - based on a decade of running his mixed animal veterinary hospital in Idaho - that veterinarians in the northwest region were simply too isolated from manufacturers to receive quality service and too small to qualify for large discounted purchases. He converted cages in the back of his veterinary clinic into storage units, and a distribution company was born.
The foundation for our future
The MWI business we know today operates in the same way Doc’s did. We recognize challenges in the animal health industry, and we develop practical solutions to remedy them. While much has changed since those early days, we remain deeply proud of Doc’s principles, values and vision, and we use them as the foundation for our future.
Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Better means better.
As we’ve added to our portfolio of companies, and joined a best-in-class organization like AmerisourceBergen, we’ve prioritized expanding our capabilities and services – not just our business. Today, with access to global resources and best practices, we’re able to serve veterinary practices, producers and dealers, and every species type across the continental United States. Simply put, we’ve become even better at what we do.
Creating healthier futures
Relationships are at the core of everything we do
As we continue to grow and create healthier futures, we never forget that Doc’s vision was to build a business formed around strong relationships and quality service. We know that we won’t be successful unless you are, so we’ll continue to follow those principles as we develop solutions centered around your success.
