At Sentry Medical, they are more than just a supplier and manufacturer of medical products; they are a dedicated team committed to providing optimal protection, treatment and healing to every body.

Where it all began

In 1987, inspired by an eye-opening hospital stay, Fred Wai recognised a unique opportunity to transition from a family restaurant business and enter the distribution industry.

From a simple home garage in Sydney, Fred started Essential Distribution, supplying non-medical products to government councils and marketing firms.

In 1991, the company was rebranded as Guardian Health Care Products. This pivot marked the beginning of their journey into the medical field.

Achieving their first breakthrough in 1995 when they formed a joint venture with St John Ambulance to produce their first aid kits and components. Then in 1997 they began their own manufacturing operation, producing essential medical supplies such as bandages and gauzes.

In 1998, Sentry secured their first government contract, supplying clinical apparel in New South Wales.

In 2001 the team expanded with the first interstate employee in Victoria and they also ventured in the New Zealand market.

A transformative turn arrived in 2003 as they evolved into Sentry Medical. They wanted a name that truly reflected their commitment to the healthcare industry and the critical roll they played in it.

Innovation and global reach began in 2007 when Sentry introduced their protective apparel bran, Owear, followed by Australia’s first sonically bonded isolation gown in collaboration with NSW Health in 2008.

Expanding their reach internationally, they established operations in Singapore and Indonesia to serve a wider audience and contribute to healthcare on a global scale.

The early 2010s were marked by remarkable growth. In 2014, they made a significant expansion into the wound care sector with the introduction of Asguard. Building on this momentum, they expanded their offerings with their advance wound care products in 2017.

When the COVID-19 Pandemic struck in 2020, Sentry Medical rose to the challenge as a trusted manufacturer and supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontling workers in Australia and New Zealand.

They worked closely with national and state government bodies and were able to provide approximately:

• 137.5 million masks
• 7 million protective gowns
• 2 million face shields
• 8 million protective aprons

A new frontier opened in 2021, when they acquired EBOS, opening doors to the aged care and primary sectors. The following year they further strengthened their position in the healthcare industry acquiring Aaxis Pacific, a stategic move that allowed them to enter the dynamic pharmacy sector.

Today, Sentry Medical has a dedicated team of over 50 employees base in Australia, and their operation have expanded to multiple countries.

As they continue on their journey of growth and innovation in the healthcare industry, their primary goal is to ensure that everyone has access to trustworthy and affordable medical products that protect, treat and heal.