#United States #Centerville #FreeFab Pallet #Freeman Wood Products #Fabrication Specialties

FreeFab Pallet: A New Beginning

In a significant development within the wood products sector in Middle Tennessee, two established companies, Freeman Wood Products and Fabrication Specialties, have joined forces to establish FreeFab Pallet, Inc. This merger, which was formalized on January 1, 2026, aims to leverage their extensive experience and capabilities to better serve customers across the region.

Teryl Freeman and Mike Goodpasture, co-owners of the newly formed entity, bring a wealth of expertise to the table. The Freeman family has been engaged in the sawmill business since the mid-1800s, and Freeman Wood Products has been a staple in the pallet industry since 1982. On the other hand, Fabrication Specialties was established by Goodpasture's father in the early 1970s, and has maintained operations in its original location for over fifty years.

While FreeFab Pallet is a fresh name in the market, the leadership duo insists that the company's strength lies in their combined experience. “We might be a young company, but we come armed with decades of industry knowledge,” Goodpasture remarked. This rich background equips FreeFab Pallet with the unique ability to cater to specific customer needs efficiently.

Building a Robust Future

The merger comes on the heels of a successful collaborative relationship between the two companies, which had previously worked together on initiatives such as a recycled pallet program. After discussions in March 2025, they concluded that merging operations would allow them to enhance their strengths and bolster their market position.

Freeman noted that despite their shared history in the industry, each company followed different operational practices. “Now we can blend the best strategies of both entities, and our teams are committed to making this a success,” he shared.

FreeFab Pallet currently employs 49 skilled workers, allowing for greater production capacity than either predecessor could achieve on its own. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing custom wood pallets tailored to various requirements, including specific weight limits and stacking configurations. Additionally, they offer recycling services for used pallets, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.

“Our customized pallet design system is an invaluable asset,” Freeman explained. “It enables us to determine weight limits for pallets under various stacking scenarios, ensuring that we meet our customers' needs precisely.” Goodpasture highlighted the financial benefits of this customized approach, stating that a well-designed pallet can help customers reduce shipping costs, making it an essential aspect of their service.

Pride in the Workforce

The merger not only combines two companies but also brings together a team of seasoned professionals. Some FreeFab Pallet employees have dedicated over 20, 30, or even 40 years to the industry, while multiple generations of local families have been involved with the two companies over the decades. Freeman expressed pride in this aspect, remarking on the loyalty of their workforce: “It’s truly fulfilling to know that people trust us enough to build their careers here.”

As FreeFab Pallet looks ahead, its leaders are committed to investing in advanced machinery and improved production techniques while maintaining a steadfast dedication to quality and service. Goodpasture sees a wealth of opportunities on the horizon, stating, “With the merger, we now have enhanced capacity to produce high-quality products and make a significant impact on our market.”

Today, FreeFab Pallet provides a full range of services to industry manufacturers and businesses, including custom wood pallets, design assistance, recycling options, and responsive customer service. Their new website, freefabpallet.com, serves as a hub of information regarding the company’s history, offerings, and the talented individuals behind the business. As they embark on this exciting journey, FreeFab Pallet aims to solidify its position as a leader in the wood products industry in Tennessee, with a focus on innovation and community engagement.