Our History

Our company roots are deep in the packaged ice industry.   JJ Ballard, Sr. had ice companies in Fort Worth from 1897 to late 1920's or early 1930's.  In 1934, sons John & Joe Ballard along with their father, formed Ballard Lubrication which was later changed to Ballard Sales Company.  They were instrumental in a number of significant developments in equipment for the packaged ice industry. 

Ballard Sales Company operated from the T&P Terminal building in downtown Fort Worth from 1934 until the building closed in 1982.  We are now located about 5 miles east of downtown.

After the untimely death of Joe Ballard, Frances Fournier bought the company in 1987.  She started working for Joe Ballard in 1951 & carried on the company business for the next 10 years.  At the age of 76, she sold the company to us in 1997.

We joined Frances in 1997 after selling our ice company in Arlington, TX.  Our experience in the ice business as well as the refrigeration industry for over 50 years gives us a unique opportunity to help.

Today, Ballard Sales Company still services the Ice Industry with the same dedication that Joe & John started.  We still answer the phone during business hours.  It may be old fashioned, but we are here to help!

Joni & Lee Norton