Company History
Company History
|
Established in 1981, Industrial Rubber & Gasket, Inc. laid its Nashville roots in a facility situated on 5th Avenue South in the downtown area. Despite initial success, the company encountered challenges that proved insurmountable. In a decisive move, George and Joyce Fournier acquired the business in April 1989 through bankruptcy court proceedings.
|
Under the stewardship of the Fourniers, the company was reconstituted as D & M Industries, Inc., operating as Industrial Rubber & Gasket. Subsequently, the company transitioned to operate under the trade name IR-G. Recognizing the importance of infrastructure and inventory, George strategically leased the original 5th Avenue South building and invested in expanding the inventory to facilitate gradual, sustainable growth.
![]() |
By late 1994, the company had secured property on Lafayette Street in Nashville, which underwent extensive renovation. The relocation to this new facility in January 1995 marked a significant milestone for IR-G, providing enhanced operational capabilities and positioning the company for continued expansion.
|
![]() |
In November 2015, IR-G made another strategic move by purchasing a building located at 1500 Elm Hill Pike. Following comprehensive renovations, including the implementation of energy-efficient measures such as LED lighting, the Nashville operations relocated from downtown to this new facility in May 2016. Spanning 38,000 square feet of warehouse and office space, this state-of-the-art facility serves as the cornerstone for IR-G's ongoing corporate growth endeavors.
![]() |
From its modest beginnings in a smaller leased space with three employees, IR-G has evolved into a multi-faceted enterprise boasting three locations across Tennessee, in addition to a presence in Alabama. With a fleet of four Mobile Hydraulic trucks and a workforce exceeding 40 employees, the company specializes in the distribution of industrial and hydraulic hose, gaskets, sheet material, and sealing products and services.
![]() |
Under the leadership of the Fournier family's second generation, with Mark Fournier serving as President and Donna Fournier Nock as Vice President, IR-G continues to thrive and expand its reach. Serving a diverse clientele, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive industry suppliers from its Nashville headquarters, as well as from branches in Cookeville and Clarksville, Tennessee, the company also caters to various other sectors.
![]() |
The Decatur, Alabama branch focuses on serving a broad spectrum of industrial and construction clients, further diversifying IR-G's industrial expertise. In a strategic move to enhance service offerings, IR-G introduced a mobile hydraulic division in 2019, currently comprising four mobile vans providing on-site hydraulic repairs, thereby bolstering its commitment to delivering unparalleled customer service and satisfaction.
![]() |
In 1989, George and Joyce Fournier laid the cornerstone of IR-G, driven by a vision to redefine wholesale distribution and rubber fabrication. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service laid the foundation for what would become a renowned industry leader.
![]() |
Today, their legacy continues to flourish under the guidance of their children, Mark Fournier and Donna Fournier-Nock. As President and Vice-President respectively, Mark and Donna embody the spirit of IR-G, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity to propel the company forward.
![]() |
Mark Fournier, with a keen eye for strategic growth and operational excellence, has steered IR-G towards new horizons, expanding its reach and capabilities while preserving the core values instilled by his parents. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in navigating the company through dynamic market landscapes and technological advancements.
![]() |
Complementing Mark's vision is Donna Fournier-Nock, whose unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and employee development has been pivotal in maintaining IR-G's sterling reputation. With a focus on fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, Donna ensures that IR-G remains at the forefront of industry standards, delivering unparalleled value to its clients.
![]() |
Together, Mark and Donna represent the seamless transition of leadership at IR-G, honoring the legacy of their parents while charting a course for continued success. Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence embody the essence of IR-G's ethos, ensuring that the company remains a beacon of innovation and integrity in the wholesale distribution and rubber fabrication industry.
![]() |