History

About R&D Equipment Co. Inc. 

In Fort Worth, Texas, R&D Equipment Co. Inc. was founded in 1981 by Ralph Romero to represent leading manufacturing and engineering companies in process equipment and systems from the USA, Canada, and Europe.

A Mexican immigrant, Ralph Romero came to the United States at 14 to pursue the "American Dream." He worked through school and began his career in 1972 at Jeffery Drawing and Design in engineering, later moving to accounting and sales. In 1974, he joined WC Cantrell in Fort Worth, focusing on equipment sales for oilseed processing and vegetable oil refining. By 1977, he was promoted to export sales manager for Latin America, leveraging his bilingual and bicultural skills.
















Our Journey 

Founded in 1981 by Ralph Romero Sr., R&D Equipment Company started from a bedroom in his home, driven by principles of ethics, integrity, and personal relationships. Over the years, the company grew in success and locations: 

1983: First office on River Run Drive 

1987: Mallick Tower   

1990: Newall & Newall Industrial Park  

1992: Gravel Drive (office and warehouse)

2001: Freeman Drive (current location)

2014: Ralph Romero Jr. joined the company  

2021: “Junior” took over as President & General Manager following the passing of Ralph Romero Sr. 


2025: Celebrating 44 Years of Business Excellence

"Junior," as he is known to family and colleagues, combines business acumen with practical experience to continue his father's legacy. For over 40 years, he has served the oilseed, rendering, and animal feed industries worldwide, including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Central & South America, the Philippines, and Africa.