Company History

1974 – Company Founded

December 27th 1974, James Maple launches the company under the name J Maple & Son. Based from “Jim’s” garage, the main business activity of the company was as an installer of commercial vehicle security products.

1978 – First Maple Products Produced

The first Maple produced security products were launched in 1978 – an Anti Hi-Jack solution for trucks proved to be particularly successful.

1978 – Maple Settle in Stockport

After outgrowing the garage, and subsequently a small former butcher’s shop in Burnage (Manchester), ‘J Maple & Sons’ moves to a new home in Stockport – where the companies Head Office still resides today.

1982 – Maple Freightlock

Alerted by the need for a reliable security lock on commercial vehicles, James Maple developed a slamlock for roller shutter door applications. The idea was patented in 1982 under the name, ‘Freightlock.’ It was a significant product development by the company and became the catalyst for future access control product innovations.

1985 – Further Product Development

Buoyed by the success of the Freightlock and demand from customers, Maple started to expand their product range.The company started to produce Electronic solutions for the first time, developing the 1st ever vehicle security system to be controlled by a micro-processor.

1986 – Maple Expand Operations

Having formed a number of relationships with organisations operating large fleets, the company started to widen it’s geographic operations to meet the demand of these customers. Having previously been restricted to the North-West region the company made strategic partnerships with installers across the country, consequently flourishing and expanding the customer base.

1987 – Maple Head Office

In 1987 Maple moved into new head offices on Sheffield Street, Stockport. As product development continued at pace and the company looked to manufacturer it’s own products, the company expanded into a second building, also located on the Sheffield Street site, to boost production capabilities.

1988 – Authorised Maple Agents

Maple had developed some strong working relationships with a number of installation companies, as a result J Maple & Sons set up official Maple Agents, across the UK. One such agent was ‘Orton Vehicle Security,’ who became known as, ‘Maple Midlands,’ operated by a Mr Terry Orton, who would later become the Managing Director of Maple Fleet Services.

1990 – A Family Business

In 1990 Jim’s son Alan and son-in-law Ian Lennard both joined the board, as Technical Director and Financial Director respectively.

1996 – Maple Group

In the mid 1990’s the company re-structured and became more targeted in it’s operations. The company essentially split into two divisions, ‘Maple Fleet Technology,’ and ‘Maple Fleet Services.’ The technology division was involved with product development, manufacture and supply, while the service division provided engineering support, installation and repair services.

1998 – Maple House

In 1998 the company once again moved to new premises, having outgrown the two offices in Sheffield street. The new location provided greater capacity for manufacture, required to meet the significant increase in demand for Maple products.

1999 – Maple Innovations

As commercial vehicles became increasingly targeted by organised crime gangs, so security solutions needed to be taken into a new generation. To counter the varied and more sophisticated attacks now experienced by vehicle operators, Maple reacted with the introduction of a third subsidiary, ‘Maple Innovations,’ this division of the company would be dedicated solely on research and development.

2001 – Maple IQ

The Maple IQ range of products was launched in 2001. Utilising the very latest in RFID technology, the IQ group of products represented a revolutionary development in Commercial Vehicle Security.

2003 – Maple US Adventure

Attracted by the sophisticated IQ product range, the World’s Leading Supplier of locking solutions, KABA MAS, approached Maple about the products and took on the sole manufacturing and distribution rights for the entire range in the Untied States.

2006 – Maple Fleet Services

The Maple Group of companies came together to form one company, ‘Maple Fleet Services.’

2007 – Maple join TAPA

In 2007 Maple Fleet Services were invited to join the, ‘Transported Asset Protection Association.’ An organisation who’s members are made up of the world’s leading security professionals and partners from manufactures and transporters of high value goods. TAPA and its members mission is solely to combat, international cargo crime.