History
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.