History

Freeman Mechanical, Inc. (FMI) is Greenville, South Carolina’s oldest operating multi-service mechanical contractor.

FMI was started in 1956 by Francis W. Freeman. The business targeted primarily residential and small commercial projects. By the early ‘60s, FMI had established itself as a major player in the mechanical market in the Greenville area.

Today, the company has performed work on projects such as the Bi-Lo Center, the renovation of the Westin Poinsett Hotel and the new Greenville Water Treatment System in Travelers Rest.

FMI provides engineering, mechanical contracting, process piping, industrial and institutional plumbing, metal fabrication, service and repair of major mechanical systems, and controls installation to the southeast. Many of the employees of FMI have more than 20 years of service, and several have more than 30 years of service, a testament to the strength and consistency of FMI.

On April 8, 1997, Francis W. Freeman died at the age of 74. In July 1999, Integrated Energy Services, Inc., of Atlanta, Georgia, acquired FMI.

In late 1999, the company relocated from its long-time site on Woodruff Road to a new 32,000-sq.-ft. facility located on Whitmire Drive off of White Horse Road. The new facility houses the offices, warehouse, fabrication shop and service department. The fabrication shop is fully equipped to fabricate up to 1/4” carbon and stainless steel materials. The company now operates with nearly 200 employees performing projects in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

In December 2001, Harold Gillespie purchased FMI from Integrated Energy Services. The company is now a privately held South Carolina corporation. Mr. Gillespie is the former owner of Davis Mechanical Contractors of Greenville, South Carolina. He has an outstanding reputation in the industry and a long track record of successful mechanical projects.