Since our founding in 1947, B&D Industrial has been driven by a singular mission: to create opportunities for families, businesses, and industries to thrive. From humble beginnings as Bearings & Drives, Inc., B&D Industrial has grown into a leader in industrial automation solutions and MRO services, providing cutting-edge technology, industrial equipment reliability services, and trusted partnerships across the nation. Throughout more than seven decades of service, B&D Industrial has remained committed to innovation, operational efficiency, and a strategic focus on expanding capabilities to better serve our customers with enhanced products, deeper expertise, and responsive service.
In 1947, John Nations, along with several partners, purchased Travis Belting & Supply in Griffin, GA for $9,000. Their vision was to create a business that would provide opportunities for families to prosper and thrive. Soon after, the company name was changed to Bearings & Drives, Inc., laying the foundation for what would become a trusted industrial solutions provider.
By 1950, Bearings & Drives, Inc. relocated to Macon, GA, where the company continued to grow as an industrial distribution company. In 1956, B&D moved into its current headquarters on Lower Poplar Street, where operations are still based today, supporting customers across Georgia. Picture Recommendation: Early picture of the Lower Poplar building or company sign from the time.
The 1960s marked a period of expansion, as Bearings & Drives, Inc. grew from a single location to six branches outside of Macon. This strategic expansion allowed the company to serve customers across Georgia more effectively, enhancing its presence as a leader in industrial product distribution.
B&D Industrial embraced technology in the 1970s by installing its first computer system, an IBM System 3, to improve operations and streamline processes. By the end of the decade, the company’s annual sales had surpassed $10 million, highlighting its growth in delivering operational efficiency solutions to its customers.
In the 1980s, Bearings & Drives, Inc. expanded its offerings to include gearbox repair services and industrial scale services, further cementing its reputation as a provider of custom gearing solutions. In 1986, the company was honored by Industrial Distribution magazine as a “Distributor of the Century,” reflecting its ongoing commitment to excellence in industrial reliability services.
In 1993, Andy Nations became CEO, taking over leadership from his father, John Nations, who transitioned into the role of Chairman of the Board. Under Andy’s leadership, B&D Industrial surpassed $50 million in sales during the 1990s, marking another key milestone in its growth as a trusted industrial partner.
In 2002, Bearings & Drives, Inc. officially rebranded as B&D Industrial to reflect the company’s expanded services in industrial automation and MRO solutions. This new identity symbolized the company’s evolution while maintaining its core values of family and service. In 2005, B&D Industrial was named “Family Business of the Year” by the Cox Family Business Center at Kennesaw State University, recognizing the company’s longstanding success as a family-owned industrial company.
During the 2010s, B&D Industrial expanded beyond its Southeastern roots, entering markets in the Pacific Northwest, South Central, and South Florida. By 2015, the company had surpassed $100 million in sales, further establishing itself as a national leader in industrial automation solutions and gearbox repair services.
In 2021, leadership transitioned to a new generation, with Lauren Lanter, Ben Nations, and Brian Davis becoming Co-CEOs. Under their leadership, B&D Industrial has remained committed to innovation, advancing the technologies and capabilities that drive industrial efficiency, reliability, and long-term success. With a focus on tomorrow’s challenges, the company continues to invest in solutions that strengthen operations and support customer growth across the industrial landscape.
In 2024, B&D Industrial expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of American Gear & Engineering, Inc., based in Westland, Michigan. This move brought precision gear manufacturing in-house, significantly enhancing our ability to deliver faster turnaround times, ensure uncompromising quality, and support the growing demands of our gearbox services business. By vertically integrating this critical component of our Gearing & Reliability Solutions division, B&D Industrial reinforces its commitment to American manufacturing excellence and strengthens its position as a trusted partner in heavy industrial services and engineered solutions.
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