History

D&F conveyor belt system
where it all began

Our Story

D&F Equipment Sales began over 37 years ago with Larry Fortenberry’s vision to address critical gaps in the poultry industry. Armed with a toolbox and his relentless drive to solve problems, Fortenberry set out to bridge the gap between equipment manufacturers and plant operations. In Fortenberry’s early career, plants depended on in-house maintenance teams to install equipment, leading to delays and compromised quality. Recognizing this challenge, Fortenberry and a small team initially spent weekends tackling installation projects, laying the foundation for what would become a trusted partner in the industry.

In March 1987, Fortenberry joined forces with Billy Davison to establish the originally named D&F Poultry Equipment, Inc. Fortenberry soon acquired sole ownership of the company. What started as a small equipment and millwright service provider quickly gained traction, doubling in size multiple times within the first few years. By consistently embodying the philosophy of doing Whatever it Takes, D&F expanded its capabilities, transitioning from installations to custom-engineered solutions and stainless steel fabrication under the new name D&F Equipment Sales, Inc.

While D&F began with a singular focus on servicing the poultry industry, its commitment to growth and innovation led to diversification. Maintaining a strong emphasis on poultry, D&F expanded into the meat and prepared foods industries, as well as other sectors, positioning the company as a leader in process engineering and system integration. Today, D&F continues to deliver customized solutions that optimize production and drive success across a range of industries.

D&F Equipment Sales

Timeline of Milestones

March 1, 1987
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March 1, 1987

D&F Poultry Equipment, Inc. was founded by Larry Fortenberry and Billy Davison.

May 1987
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Larry Fortenberry
May 1987

Larry Fortenberry acquired sole ownership of the company.

1988
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DFES Original Logo
1988

D&F adopted its original logo featuring a red toolbox. The company doubled in size during its first year.

1989
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1989

Built the first corporate office in Alabama. Began building equipment directly for clients, marking a significant industry milestone. D&F doubled in size again in its second year.

1990
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1990

Achieved another year of doubling in size. Expanded the shop and added the first full manufacturing facility.

1991
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1991

Experienced 50% growth after three consecutive years of doubling in size. Added the middle shop to support increased production demands.

1992
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1992

Officially renamed to D&F Equipment Sales. The D&F slogan became "Whatever it Takes," officially adopting the philosophy that guided the company all along.

1993
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1993

While D&F offered engineering services from the beginning, the first full-time engineer joined the company to help streamline projects with improved quality control.

1994
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1994

Developed an administrative, clerical, and accounting team. Added an administrative wing to the corporate office.

1996
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1996

Opened the Arkansas manufacturing facility to better serve customers in the central/western areas of the food processing industry.

July 1997
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July 1997

The owners of D&F acquired a machine shop, reducing costs, streamlining the supply chain, and driving growth for both companies through expanded product offerings and a larger customer base.

2000
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2000

Built the first full engineering wing to support advanced process design.

2005
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2005

Extended shop 1. Launched the laser division, emphasizing technological innovation.

2008
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2008

Expanded focus beyond the poultry industry to include other sectors, driving continued growth despite challenges.

2011
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2011

Entered the meat and prepared foods industries, broadening the company's scope.

August 16, 2016
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August 16, 2016

Received a patent for the Common Frame Debone Cone Line Conveyor System, improving sanitation efficiency and eliminating design gaps.

May 21, 2019
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SanGuard
May 21, 2019

Received a patent for SanGuard®, a finishing process that ensures the cleanest possible stainless steel surfaces for equipment.

March 2024
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Dawn Knox
March 2024

D&F Equipment Sales announced Dawn Knox as new CEO/President, who continues to build on the foundation of doing “Whatever it Takes” to serve the company’s customers.

D&F Equipment Sales, Inc. - Whatever it Takes.
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