EMT was founded over 60 years ago in 1963 by the current MD’s grandfather, Mr Lindsay Muir.It was set up at this time as a sole trader called Muirs of Nottingham and its’ only purpose was to sell pharmaceutical supplies, e.g. medicine bottles, tablet bottles, prescription bags and caps etc, to pharmacies in the Nottinghamshire area. These products are still one of the biggest single sector of EMT’s business today, so you can be assured of our long experience in this market.

As time went on, the business added various sundry lines to its portfolio of products that pharmacies were demanding manicure ranges, hair care products and healthcare items. These product ranges grew in size and the company successfully expanded its geographic market moving way beyond the East Midlands by adding a number of field sales representatives to call on pharmacies.  

In 1972 the company became incorporated and the name was changed to East Midlands Toiletries Ltd in 1976. It continued to expand by adding more field sales staff.

In 1992 the company moved to its current warehouse premises – a 24000 square ft building with 6 metres eaves height. Lindsay Muir retired in 1995 and his son Stephen Muir took over. Stephen continued to gradually expand the firm by adding more reps, the ultimate aim being to get national coverage.

In 2000 the decision was made to acquire a company in the North West called Estchem Sundries to further expand the sales force. The company also decided to change its name to EMT Healthcare Ltd so as to better reflect its activities in the market.

2010 saw Stephen Muir retiring and his son Rod Muir take over as MD. Having worked in practically every role in the business, Rod easily made the transition. However, he recognised that he needed to beef up senior management in the company and make some infrastructure improvements if he was to achieve his plans to significantly grow EMT. He recruited a Sales & Marketing Director and Operations Director and then proceeded to completely revamp the warehouse. All the racking was upgraded with floor to ceiling racking, narrow aisles and new specialist handling equipment purchased. A fully electronic location and order scanning system was then installed. These enhancements have considerably improved EMT’s efficiencies and service to its customers.

As a result of the investment in our operation along with our flexible logistics partner we are able to deliver product direct to branch level or central warehouse usually within 24-48hrs. Our nationwide sales force coverage gives us the ability to service
and merchandise at branch level where appropriate.

A further addition to the business was another member of the Muir family Rich Muir, who at the young age of 18 joined in 2007 which was a great boost to the family business. Now Rod and his brother are set to continue the business for the next 50 years

By focusing on its core dispensing business and introducing a new OTC medicines and toiletries bi-monthly promotional
catalogue EMT has diversified to ensure Independent Pharmacy is offered a modern and competitive range of household
brand names with the support and guidance of a sales force throughout the country.

24 Hours with EMT

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