A major shift in the West Texas oilfield services landscape is underway as Fortenberry Fabrication & Supply continues the legacy of T. Hill Production Services, a Big Lake institution that has served the community for 25 years.
As T. Hill Production Services closes its doors, 20 of its dedicated employees have chosen to continue their careers with Fortenberry Fabrication & Supply, significantly expanding the company’s operations.
Michael and Jill Fortenberry, owners of Fortenberry Fabrication & Supply, have confirmed that several crews and key equipment from T. Hill Production are now part of their operations. This growth has allowed Fortenberry Fabrication & Supply to increase its number of crews from 3 to 11, enabling them to take on larger projects and provide a broader range of services to their clients.
The transition involved acquiring only specific assets, while other aspects of T. Hill’s operations, such as the heavy machinery, vacuum trucks, and the pumping division, were not part of the agreement. Additionally, some of T. Hill’s assets were purchased by other contractors, reflecting the collaborative and careful approach taken by both parties to ensure the best outcome for everyone involved .
“We mainly brought over the maintenance division,” said Michael Fortenberry. “This expansion allows us to provide a more comprehensive, turnkey service to our customers”.
The deal is a full-circle moment for Michael Fortenberry, who started his oilfield career in West Texas working for T. Hill Production Services.
A welder by trade, he joined T. Hill as a backhoe operator in 2016. Over the years, he advanced to a supervisory role, overseeing crews and managing various operations.
“The backbone of Fortenberry Fabrication & Supply was 100% built through T. Hill Production,” Fortenberry said. “The relationships I made there and the experience I gained were instrumental in allowing me to take my business to where it is now.”
In 2018, Michael left T. Hill Production to pursue his own business ventures, launching Quicksilver Trucking, LLC, which later evolved into Fortenberry Fabrication & Supply.
Starting out small, Michael and Jill operated out of their home, welding under a carport and running a single truck.
As demand grew, so did their business.
In 2021, they opened their first welding shop in Big Lake that included welding and structural steel supplies, and by the following year, they had expanded into a larger facility, adding an oilfield supply store, and even a feed store to their operations.
In 2023 they opened a second welding shop location in Big Lake.
The closure of T. Hill Production Services has not been an easy decision for owners Tommy and Deborah Hill, and TJ and Ashley Hill.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens,” Ashley Hill wrote, quoting Ecclesiastes 3. “This decision has not been made easily or taken lightly, as we are fully aware of the lives we are impacting.”
For the Hill family, this is the end of a chapter that spans two generations and 25 years of dedication to their company, their employees, and their community.
The Hills expressed deep gratitude to their employees, many of whom had been with T. Hill Production for over 15 years.
“You all have been the backbone to our company,” the Hills stated. “Your hard work and dedication to T. Hill will never be forgotten, and there simply aren’t words to express our sincere appreciation to each of you.”
The decision to close was influenced by a combination of personal and professional factors.
When it came time to close, TJ Hill made it a priority to ensure that his employees were taken care of.
“His main goal was to find every one of his employees a job before he closed the door,” Michael Fortenberry said. “He didn’t want to just walk in and say, ‘Sorry guys, go look for a job.’ He gave them options, and we were one of the contractors who made offers. Ultimately, the decision was up to the employees, and many chose to join our team.”
For the employees who transitioned to Fortenberry Fabrication & Supply, the move has been seamless.
“The best part about this whole deal is the peace of mind I have with these employees,” said Michael Fortenberry. “I worked side by side with most of them at T Hill. I know who I have going out. I know what they can do. They are all experts in their field, and there is nothing like that peace of mind.”
The expansion is significant not just in terms of personnel, but also in terms of what it means for Fortenberry Fabrication’s ability to serve the community and surrounding areas.
“Our goal has always been to provide a one-stop-shop service for our clients,” said Jill Fortenberry. “This acquisition helps us move closer to that goal.”
The closure of T. Hill Production marks a bittersweet transition for the Hill family.
“We are incredibly proud that T. Hill Production has been successful for 25 years, and through two generations,” Ashley Hill said. “We are also proud that we are ending this season financially stable and healthy as a company. We are choosing to end on success, not in any sort of turmoil or distress.”
The Fortenberrys’ relationship with the Hill family goes beyond business.
Michael Fortenberry often sought advice from TJ Hill during his early days of running Fortenberry Fabrication & Supply and throughout the growth of the business.
“I knew I could always contact TJ when I had a question on how to handle things, and he was always quick to answer and give sound advice,” Michael said. “He was always supportive. It’s very sentimental for us to have the opportunity to do what we did. This meant a lot more than just taking over some assets—it was about carrying forward a legacy that has been a big part of our lives.”
The respect between the two families is mutual. The Hills expressed their confidence in Fortenberry Fabrication & Supply’s ability to continue providing quality service to their former clients and to take good care of their employees.
“Fortenberry Fabrication & Supply has hired several T. Hill employees. We are proud that our guys have a locally owned, family-oriented business to continue their careers with and a place to utilize their vast knowledge.” Ashley Hill said.
As the Fortenberrys look to the future, they are committed to growing their business while staying true to the values that have guided them so far.
“We want to be a pillar in our community like T. Hill has been for all these years,” said Jill Fortenberry. “We want to continue the legacy that they started, in addition to the business we already have established.”
The expansion of Fortenberry Fabrication & Supply represents more than just business growth—it is a continuation of a legacy built on trust, hard work, and community support.
As one chapter closes and another begins, the people of Big Lake can take pride in the resilience and dedication of these two family-owned businesses.
