About Us

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.

Concerned by the lack of sophisticated vehicle security solutions and encouraged by a receptive market, Jim commissioned the production of Maple’s first product, an Anti Hi-Jack solution for trucks, that met with instant acclaim.

During a significant year for ‘J Maple & Sons,’ The company also acquired new premises in Stockport – a location where the Head Office still remains.

Maple 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.’

Innovation 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-processo

In 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.

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

In 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.

In 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.

To 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.

A 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.

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 United States.

In 2006 ‘The Maple Group of companies’ underwent a rebranding exercise and came together to form one company, ‘Maple Fleet Services.’

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.

In 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.