Paul LoCicero is sent from Italy to California by Fiat to work as one of their first automotive technician in the United States
1970’s
Paul’s son Jack starts California Classics, a millwork company in Southern California
Jack shares his father’s knack for innovation and designs the first all wood French Sliding Patio Door in the industry
Since there was no lock specifically designed for such a door, Paul decides to apply his mechanical skills to engineering & inventing one himself!
1980’s
Paul invents the 558 Sliding Door Lock Mechanism, designed especially for Wood French Sliding Patio Doors, and travels to Italy to set up mass production of the lock set
Paul founds FPL Door Locks & Hardware in Agoura, CA with the Sliding Door Lock Set and several Trim Style options in Polished Brass Finish
As FPL’s customer base expands, Custom hardware, including additional Trim Styles and Custom Sized European Profile Cylinders becomes a regular offering
Entry Swing Door Hardware is added to FPL’s product line, with high end Single Point Mortise Mechanisms and Trim
FPL has expanded beyond the capabilities of their Agoura, CA location, and moves to larger facilities in Westlake Village, CA
1990’s
Paul’s son in law, Tim Goetze, begins working at FPL in various roles, including Engineering, Research & Development
FPL further expands it’s line of Swing Door Hardware by introducing the first Stainless Steel Multipoint Mechanism available in the Unites States
Expansion requires a move to larger facilities in Moorpark, CA, with multiple on site expansions required to meet further demand
Paul’s daughter, Enza, begins working at FPL, taking over Office Management and day to day operations
FPL begins expanding it’s Swing and Sliding Door Hardware lines by offering such items as Hinges and Sliding Door Footbolts
2000’s
FPL works to develop new relationships with factories around the world, meeting the quality and quantity demand their growing customer base requires
In addition to regional custom door shops, FPL begins selling to large national Door & Window Manufacturing companies, with further growth necessitating a move to even larger facilities in Oxnard, CA
Customer demand facilitates FPL designing and offering Multipoint Window Casement Hardware and Trim
Paul LoCicero retires, appointing Tim Goetze as President and Enza Goetze as Vice President
Research and Development begins on new Lift & Slide Hardware to meet the common issues our customers face
FPL’s Custom Hardware division expands with CNC machinery
Current growth of the company requires FPL to be moved once again to a larger facility in Kentucky. The property acquired is large enough to encompass future growth the company expects
2010’s
FPL rolls out the long awaited Lift & Slide hardware system, featuring the Monarch Folding Handle that replaces the industry standard of removable handles that can get misplaced, rollers with an AAMA certification of 1,600 lbs per door panel for large openings, and a mechanism with an adjustable backset that can be used for on doors or windows in order to reduce high volume inventory for door manufacturers.
FPL’s Pending Patent of the Monarch Folding Lift & Slide Handle is approved, solidifying it as the next big innovation in the Lift & Slide industry
FPL’s Product Catalog expands to 310 pages. Many new products continue to be offered