FLINT, Mich. — Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. is celebrating 40 years of providing pharmacy services to its patients nationwide.

Founded in 1975 by Dale Hagerman and son Phil Hagerman, its current chairman and chief executive officer, Diplomat has grown into the nation’s largest independent specialty pharmacy.

The company noted that what started as a small, regional operation has since led to a national enterprise focused on customized solutions for each patient’s individual needs — led by a desire to help more patients find health.

“We remain committed to our philosophy by taking care of one patient at a time for happier lives and health that lasts,” Phil Hagerman said.

“Our patients are more than customers; they are remarkable stories of human triumph. It is our honor to support their health, helping them thrive in their lives,” Hagerman added. “Our philosophy continues to be as it was when my dad had the pharmacy almost 40 years ago and we look forward to upholding for the next 40 years to come.”

Last week, Diplomat closed a follow-on public offering of common stock. And that followed the company’s initial public offering last October, in which it raised about $145 million in offering about 15 million shares on the New York Stock Exchange.