Introduction
Georgia's healthcare infrastructure operates at significant scale. Emory Healthcare (13 hospitals, 2,728 staffed beds), Piedmont Healthcare (20 hospitals, 3,546 beds), WellStar Health System (14 hospitals, 2,648 beds), and Grady Health System anchor a statewide network exceeding 150 licensed hospitals and 357 long-term care facilities.
That density of acute care and specialty facilities creates consistent demand for medical-grade casters and wheels sourced from reliable regional partners.
Medical casters are not interchangeable with standard industrial hardware. Baseline requirements include:
- Hygiene-rated materials that support infection control protocols
- Load ratings of 250–400 lbs. per caster for beds and imaging equipment
- Quiet rolling performance on vinyl and epoxy clinical floors
- Non-marking wheels, stainless steel or chrome-plated frames, and sealed bearings
- Total-brake systems for stationary stability
Specifying the wrong caster creates real exposure — floor damage, equipment instability, and infection control failures that draw regulatory scrutiny.
Choosing the right supplier matters just as much as choosing the right product. This guide covers the top 10 medical caster manufacturers and suppliers serving Georgia's healthcare market, evaluated on medical product range, Georgia distribution presence, certifications, and customer trust.
TLDR
- Medical casters require hygiene compliance, load capacity, quiet rolling, and floor-safe wheel materials
- Georgia medical buyers can source from in-state manufacturers, regional distributors, and national suppliers with local distribution
- Buyers should request product samples before committing to ongoing MRO or OEM programs
- Humphries Casters, Atlanta Caster & Equipment, and Blickle USA rank among the strongest options for Georgia medical buyers
- Factor in warranty terms, lead times, and service support — not just unit price — when comparing suppliers
Medical Casters in Georgia's Healthcare Market
Medical casters are purpose-built for hospital beds, IV poles, medication carts, imaging equipment, and case carts. Unlike standard industrial casters, they're engineered to meet strict infection control and patient safety requirements. Key characteristics include:
- Non-marking wheels (polyurethane or thermoplastic rubber) that protect flooring and reduce noise
- Easy-roll bearings with dual raceways for smooth, low-effort movement
- Stainless steel or chrome-plated frames for corrosion resistance in sanitized environments
- Total-brake systems that lock both wheel rotation and swivel movement simultaneously
Georgia's healthcare market represents substantial demand. With over 150 licensed hospitals and 357 long-term care facilities, the state's medical infrastructure requires continuous supply of medical-grade mobility components. The healthcare sector's economic footprint—representing 17.7% of GDP nationally—translates to ongoing, high-volume demand across acute care, long-term residential, and specialty treatment settings.
The companies below are selected based on product range, regional presence, and track record in clinical environments.
Top 10 Medical Caster Manufacturers and Suppliers Serving Georgia
These suppliers were selected based on medical-grade product offerings, Georgia market presence or distribution, industry certifications, and demonstrated performance in healthcare settings.
Humphries Casters
Established in 1988 and serving the medical market nationwide, Humphries Casters supplies hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care organizations—including the #1, 2, and 3 long-term care organizations in America and several regionally top-ranked hospitals. This proven track record makes them a trusted partner for Georgia healthcare procurement teams.
Humphries goes beyond standard distribution with product trials, blanket order programs, bulk discounts, and a warranty that extends past the manufacturer's standard—valuable for high-volume facilities focused on reducing total cost of ownership. Their medical caster lines cover:
- Hospital bed casters with central locking systems
- Stainless steel swivel casters with total lock brakes
- IV pole casters with non-marking rubber wheels
- Nursing care bed and overbed table casters with metal threadguards
- Shower chair casters with water-resistant designs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Cincinnati, OH (serves Georgia and nationwide) |
| Medical Specialization | Hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care, OEM medical equipment |
| Key Differentiator | Product trials, extended warranty, blanket order programs |
Atlanta Caster & Equipment
Atlanta Caster & Equipment is a Georgia-based supplier with deep roots in the local industrial and healthcare markets. Located at 1810 Auger Dr., Tucker, GA, they offer a wide catalog of casters organized by weight capacity, wheel type, and mount—including dedicated medical-grade options for hospital and clinical environments.
Their healthcare line covers three distinct application areas:
- Hospital bed casters engineered for quiet operation and reliable locking
- Surgical table casters with high-load capacity and corrosion-resistant components
- MRI-compatible non-magnetic casters for imaging environments
Their local Georgia presence enables direct service to hospital administrators and facility managers, including technical support for product selection and floor surface compatibility.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Atlanta, GA (Tucker facility) |
| Medical Specialization | Hospital bed casters, surgical table casters, MRI-compatible options |
| Key Differentiator | Local Georgia presence, broad catalog, MRI-safe specialty options |
Blickle USA
Blickle USA operates from 75 Coweta Industrial Parkway, Newnan, GA and imports precision-engineered casters from their German manufacturing facility. Their stainless steel and polyurethane swivel casters are widely used in hygiene-sensitive environments including medical and pharmaceutical settings.
Blickle's German engineering background delivers metric-size compatibility (50–200 mm wheel diameters) for European-manufactured medical equipment found in U.S. hospitals. Their "Hygiene and Design" series features stainless steel construction rated for autoclaves (up to +134 °C), hydrolysis-resistant wheels, and synthetic lines like WAVE and FLOW built for easy cleaning. Georgia OEM medical equipment manufacturers needing sterilization-compatible components will find a natural fit here.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Newnan, GA (U.S. operations) |
| Medical Specialization | Stainless steel casters, hygienic environments, OEM medical equipment |
| Key Differentiator | German-engineered precision, metric-size availability, autoclave compatibility |
MedCaster (Colson Group USA)
MedCaster is the dedicated medical caster brand under Colson Group USA—the world's largest caster manufacturer. Specifically designed for hospital beds, IV stands, case carts, and medication carts, their products offer capacities from 75 to 1,000 lbs. per caster. Manufacturing is based in St. Joseph, Michigan, with distribution through Georgia-based partners.
As a purpose-built medical brand, MedCaster offers clean, quiet, easy-roll caster lines tailored specifically for healthcare applications. Partners like CWIH distribute their line for incubators, bariatric beds, and other specialized equipment. Georgia medical buyers benefit from domestic production—shorter lead times and consistent quality assurance compared to overseas alternatives.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | Colson Group USA |
| Medical Specialization | Hospital beds, IV stands, medication carts, case carts (75–1,000 lbs.) |
| Key Differentiator | Purpose-built medical brand, Made in USA, quiet-roll design |
Fairbanks Company
Fairbanks Company has produced casters, wheels, and material handling equipment for over 135 years from their headquarters at 202 Division Street, Rome, GA. This makes them one of the few caster manufacturers with deep historical roots directly in the state.
Established in 1887, Fairbanks' Rome facility features robotic welding and powder coating capabilities supporting durable institutional equipment. While primarily known for industrial material handling (hand trucks, platform trucks), their manufacturing expertise and Georgia location offer advantages for institutional and medical caster applications requiring custom fabrication or rapid local fulfillment. Their longevity and in-state manufacturing make them a strategic option for Georgia buyers prioritizing regional supply chain resilience.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Rome, GA |
| Medical Specialization | Institutional equipment, durable material handling applications |
| Key Differentiator | 135+ year history, Georgia-based manufacturer |
Albion Casters (Colson Group USA)
Albion has served heavy-duty and medical-adjacent material handling needs for over 70 years, with distribution capabilities from 43 Amlajack Blvd, Newnan, GA. Their stainless steel and high-capacity casters serve healthcare settings requiring heavy-duty mobility, such as imaging suites and surgical equipment transport.
Albion's 04 Series (Light Duty Stainless) and 120 Series (Kingpinless Stainless) are built for environments requiring frequent washdowns—hospitals and pharmaceutical labs among them. Their heavy-duty series handles loads up to 30,000 lbs., supporting MRI machines and large-scale institutional carts. The Newnan distribution location supports regional fulfillment for Georgia facilities.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Georgia Distribution | Newnan, GA |
| Medical Specialization | Heavy-duty, stainless steel, custom design for medical/imaging equipment |
| Key Differentiator | 70+ year track record, high-capacity custom engineering (up to 30,000 lbs.) |
World Casters & Equipment (Caster Warehouse)
World Casters & Equipment operates a distribution facility at 4405 Business Park Ct SW, Lilburn, GA (Atlanta area), offering a standard range of industrial and medical-adjacent casters with competitive pricing. Their Atlanta warehouse enables fast 1–2 day ship times for Georgia buyers.
Their medical caster inventory spans 100 to 6,000 lbs. per caster, with same-day or next-day shipping from the Atlanta facility for urgent MRO replacements. That local distribution advantage directly minimizes equipment downtime in critical care settings. Products conform to American specifications, and competitive pricing appeals to cost-conscious facilities managing MRO budgets.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Georgia Distribution | Atlanta, GA (Lilburn facility) |
| Medical Specialization | Medical casters (100–6,000 lbs.), urgent MRO replacement inventory |
| Key Differentiator | Fast Atlanta-based shipping (1–2 days), competitive pricing |
Hamilton Caster
Hamilton Caster has over 116 years of experience manufacturing heavy-duty casters and wheels in the USA from their facility at 1637 Dixie Highway, Hamilton, OH. Their products support some of the heaviest medical and research equipment applications, including MRI machine transport and large-scale institutional carts used in hospital logistics.
Hamilton's capacity range sets them apart for high-demand medical applications:
- Stainless steel casters rated up to 3,200 lbs. for corrosive and sanitary environments
- Shock-absorbing casters rated up to 10,000 lbs. to protect sensitive diagnostic equipment during transport
- Dual-wheel series handling extreme loads up to 40,000 lbs. for heavy imaging equipment and research labs
As a 4th-generation family-owned business with Made-in-USA manufacturing, Hamilton offers supply chain reliability for Georgia healthcare facilities.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Hamilton, OH (ships nationwide to Georgia) |
| Medical Specialization | Heavy medical equipment, research lab, institutional applications |
| Key Differentiator | 116+ year history, extreme-capacity options (up to 40,000 lbs.), Made in USA |
Shepherd Caster (Colson Group USA)
Shepherd Caster is a leading light-duty caster brand under Colson Group USA, distributing products from Georgia. Their institutional-grade casters serve furniture, point-of-sale, and light medical applications in clinical environments such as nursing stations and patient room furnishings.
Shepherd's Regent and Ultima II series feature low-profile designs and capacities from 40 lbs. to 1,000 lbs. per caster. These lines are commonly specified for IV poles, medical furniture, and lightweight clinical equipment where quiet operation and floor protection matter. Georgia distribution provides regional fulfillment support.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Georgia Distribution | Ships from Georgia |
| Medical Specialization | Light-duty institutional, patient room furniture, nursing station equipment |
| Key Differentiator | Cost-effective light-duty medical solutions, Colson Group quality |
Pemco Casters (Colson Group USA)
Pemco Casters ships from Atlanta, Georgia (with a location in Covington, GA) and offers a range of multipurpose casters developed from 60+ years of OEM experience. While primarily known for shopping cart and multipurpose applications, their OEM capabilities and Atlanta shipping location make them a relevant option for medical OEM manufacturers in Georgia seeking cost-effective caster solutions.
Pemco focuses on competitive pricing for OEM applications, with capacities from 200 to 1,250 lbs. per caster. Their OEM depth and Atlanta distribution capacity support medical cart manufacturers that need reliable components for consistent production runs—particularly useful for Georgia-based device manufacturers where per-unit cost matters.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Georgia Distribution | Atlanta, GA (Covington location) |
| Medical Specialization | OEM applications, multipurpose casters for medical cart manufacturers |
| Key Differentiator | Atlanta-based shipping, OEM cost competitiveness, 60+ years of development |
What to Look for When Choosing a Medical Caster Supplier in Georgia
Core Product Requirements
Qualified medical caster suppliers must offer products that meet clinical environment standards:
Wheel material:
- Non-marking polyurethane or thermoplastic rubber (TPR) suits most hospital floors
- TPR delivers quiet operation, chemical resistance, and floor debris rejection
- Polyurethane offers superior durability and higher load-bearing capacity
- Both resist cleaning chemicals, floor polishes, oil, grease, and solvents
Frame and hardware:
- Stainless steel frames meet hygiene compliance and resist corrosion
- Chrome-plated frames offer cost-effective rust protection
- Sealed bearings prevent debris accumulation and ease cleaning
Safety mechanisms:
- Total-brake systems lock both wheel rotation and swivel movement — critical during patient transfers
- Directional locks allow forward rolling but prevent swivel for corridor transport
Load ratings:
- Hospital beds typically require 250–400 lbs. per caster
- Calculate Safe Working Load (SWL): patient weight + mattress + accessories, distributed across four casters with a safety margin
- Imaging equipment may require 3,200–10,000 lbs. capacity — confirm per device specs
Once you've confirmed product specs, evaluate whether a supplier can actually support your operation day-to-day.
Supplier Capability Factors
Beyond product specs, four capability areas separate reliable suppliers from risky ones:
- Samples and trials — Suppliers who provide samples let you test on actual floor surfaces before any volume commitment. Humphries Casters (a national supplier serving medical facilities across the country) offers product trials and onsite demonstrations for larger equipment.
- Lead times — Urgent MRO replacements need 1–2 day shipping for critical equipment. World Casters & Equipment and Pemco Casters leverage Atlanta-area facilities for fast local fulfillment, minimizing downtime in patient care areas.
- OEM support — If you're a device manufacturer, look for prototype assistance and competitive production pricing. Humphries Casters, Blickle USA, and Albion all offer OEM programs for specialized medical applications.
- Warranty coverage — Extended warranties beyond the manufacturer's standard reduce replacement risk. Confirm whether coverage includes exchanges and refunds, not just repair credits.
Not every procurement mistake happens at the spec stage — some of the costliest errors come after the purchase decision.
Common Buyer Mistakes
These four mistakes show up repeatedly in medical procurement — and all are avoidable:
- Buying on price alone — Unit cost ignores total ownership costs. Premature caster failure drives up maintenance frequency, and floor damage from the wrong wheel material creates expensive repairs down the line.
- Overlooking noise — Hard wheels are disruptive on tile and vinyl floors. In patient areas, soft rubber or TPR wheels aren't a luxury — they're a clinical consideration.
- Miscalculating load capacity — Capacity per caster is not the same as total equipment load. Calculate the distributed load across all casters and apply a safety factor; under-rated casters create tipping hazards and liability exposure.
- Skipping floor testing — Rolling resistance and wear behavior vary by wheel compound and floor type. Testing on your actual surface before committing to a product prevents post-installation surprises on vinyl, epoxy, or tile.
Conclusion
Georgia's healthcare facilities—from large hospital systems like Emory and Piedmont to long-term care networks serving over 40,000 residents—deserve caster suppliers who understand the clinical environment, not just the product catalog. The right partner brings clinical product knowledge, local availability, and product trial options before any volume commitment.
Compare suppliers on total cost of ownership, not unit price alone. Key factors to evaluate:
- Product life and maintenance frequency — how often will casters need replacement?
- Floor damage risk — wrong wheel compounds can void flooring warranties
- Warranty coverage — does the supplier extend beyond the manufacturer's terms?
- MRO responsiveness — can they fulfill urgent orders when equipment goes down?
- OEM and blanket order programs — consistent supply and pricing for predictable operations
Georgia healthcare facilities and medical OEMs can reach Humphries Casters—a supplier with proven experience serving top-ranked hospitals and the #1, 2, and 3 long-term care organizations in America—at 1-800-733-4758 or Service@HumphriesCasters.com to request product samples or discuss a customized supply program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a medical-grade caster and how is it different from a standard caster?
Medical-grade casters are designed specifically for clinical environments, featuring non-marking easy-roll wheels, stainless or chrome frames for hygiene, quieter bearings, and total-brake systems. Unlike standard casters, they must meet hospital floor safety and infection control requirements including resistance to harsh disinfectants and compatibility with frequent washdowns.
What load capacity do medical casters need for hospital beds?
Hospital bed casters typically require a load rating of 250–400 lbs. per caster, with four casters sharing the total load of bed + patient + equipment. Buyers should calculate the Safe Working Load (SWL)—patient weight plus mattress and accessories—then distribute across all casters with a safety factor of at least 25%.
Are there certifications or standards required for medical casters used in Georgia hospitals?
Medical casters are classified as medical device accessories under FDA regulations, with classification (Class I or II) determined by the parent device. NSF listings indicate suitability for hygienic environments, while ANSI/BIFMA standards test durability and performance. Buyers should confirm compliance with their facility's infection control and biomedical engineering standards.
What wheel material is best for hospital floor surfaces?
Polyurethane or thermoplastic rubber (TPR) wheels are recommended for hospital floors. Both are non-marking, offer low rolling resistance, absorb minor floor irregularities quietly, and resist cleaning chemicals. TPR provides superior chemical resistance and debris rejection, while polyurethane offers greater durability and load capacity.
How often should medical casters be replaced in a hospital or nursing home?
Replacement frequency depends on load, usage intensity, and floor conditions—a general guideline is inspection every 6–12 months for high-use equipment. Signs requiring replacement include flat spots, bearing noise, swivel resistance, visible frame corrosion, or brake system failure.
Can Georgia-based medical OEM manufacturers get custom caster solutions for new equipment designs?
Yes, several suppliers on this list support OEM programs including prototype evaluation, product trials, and competitive production pricing. Humphries Casters sources across an extensive supplier network to match specifications for new equipment designs, while Blickle USA and Albion both offer engineered solutions suited for custom medical device applications.
