Maple Fleet Services are the leading authority on commercial vehicle security & safety solutions. Founded in 1974 by Jim Maple, in response to a market severely lacking in sophisticated commercial vehicle security systems, Maple Fleet Services quickly became one of the key driving forces in developing innovative, high quality, practical solutions for the commercial vehicle operator. It’s those very foundations on which the business was built, innovative design, passion for engineering excellence and a comprehensive understanding of the logistics and road transport industry that have continued to drive the business forward.
From our Head-Office and research facility in Stockport, we are dedicated to providing real solutions for real problems experienced by the fleet industry, listening to our customers to understand the pressures and the demands they face every day. Our commitment to continuous development also extends to providing tailored solutions for our clients and their own specific operations. It’s a philosophy that has formed the catalyst to many of our most successful product developments and is testimony to why our customers return to us time and time again. Today, as our own customer’s fleet management pressures, demands and legislative requirement have evolved, so to has our extensive product portfolio. Maple Fleet Services continue to embrace new technologies to develop new and exciting security solutions for the fleet industry, we’ve also expanded our product range, incorporating safety solutions, fuel saving devices and power management solutions.
Since day one Maple Fleet Services has always understood the importance of high quality installation and support, recognising the responsibility we have to our customers. This passion for quality can be traced back to the early days of our organisation, Jim Maple was responsible for the code of practice for installation of security on HGV’s that was adopted by the Vehicle Security Installation Board (VSIB); He later went on to chair the Mobile Electronics & Security Federation (MESF); truly Maple Fleet Services is the mark of quality by which commercial vehicle security and installation is set.
The company was officially launched by James (Jim) Maple on December 27th 1974. Trading under the name ‘J Maple & Son’ the company specialised on the supply & installation of 3rd party commercial vehicle security products.
1974Concerned by the lack of sophisticated vehicle security solutions and encouraged by a receptive market, Jim commissioned the production of the companies first product, an Anti Hi-Jack solution for trucks, that met with almost instant acclaim.
1978During a significant year for ‘J Maple & Sons,’ The company also acquired new premises in Stockport – a location where the Head Office still remains.
1978Maple and Jim were becoming synonymous with commercial vehicle security, with the company expanding rapidly to meet demand, developing new, innovative products all the time. In 1982, alerted by the need for reliable security locks on commercial vehicles, Maple developed a slamlock for roller shutter door applications. The idea was patented in 1982 under the name, ‘Freightlock.’
1982Innovation has always been central to the Maple philosophy, testimony to this can be found by a number of significant ‘firsts’ achieved by the company. In 1985 the product range was expanded with the first electronic manufactured solutions, including the 1st ever vehicle security system to be controlled by a micro-processor.
1987In 1987 Maple moved into new head offices on Sheffield Street, Stockport. With product development continuing at pace, the company soon expanded further into a second building, on the same site to boost in-house production capabilities.
1987In 1990 Jim’s son Alan and son-in-law Ian Lennard both joined the board, as Technical Director and Financial Director respectively.
1990In the mid 1990’s the company 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 in-field repair.
1996In 1998 the company once again moved to new premises, having outgrown the Sheffield Street site. The new location provided greater capacity for manufacture, required to meet the significant increase in demand for Maple products.
1998To counter the ever more sophisticated attacks now experienced by vehicle operators, Maple launched a third subsidiary, ‘Maple Innovations,’ this division of the company would be dedicated solely on research and development.
1999A hugely significant development with the advent of a new millenium for Maple, with the launch of the IQ range of products. Utilising the very latest in RFID technology, the IQ group of products represented a revolutionary development in Commercial Vehicle Security.
2001Attracted 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 United States.
2003In 2006 'The Maple Group of companies' underwent a rebranding exercise and came together to form one company, ‘Maple Fleet Services.’
2006In 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.
2007In July 2013 Maple’s trailer safe coupling device, SafeConnect, claimed the much coveted Motor Transport Award for Innovation. Praised by the judges for it’s simplicity, cost effectiveness and potential to save lives, SafeConnect beat off tough competition from some of the industry most recognised names.
2013
