FRANCE - a name synonymous with Quality, Service and Technology!
With over 70 years experience, FRANCE has earned its reputation of being the leading manufacturer of neon transformers and ballasts for the sign industry, as well as ignition transformers for the oil heating industry.
Two brothers, Merle and Lester France, founded FRANCE in 1913. The brothers started their business manufacturing battery chargers in their garage in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1921, the company was sold to an employee, P.K. Ranney. In the late 1920's, FRANCE added a line of wire strippers to their battery charger business. In the early 1930's, FRANCE began manufacturing ignition transformers for residential oil heating applications. It was also in the 1930's when we became one of the first companies to manufacture transformers for neon signs.
Operations and plant facilities were increased gradually until World War II, when FRANCE, like a great many other American enterprises, turned all of its engineering and production facilities to the war effort. FRANCE ingenuity and technical competence provided the answers to a number of problems confronting our country during the war. For example, one of the most outstanding developments in Radar power supplies was engineered and manufactured by FRANCE when others had given up because the problem was considered hopeless.
In 1967, Mr. Ranney sold FRANCE to The Scott Fetzer Company. In May of 1973, we opened our doors in Fairview, Tennessee. In 1986, Berkshire Hathaway, (whose chairman is the legendary investor Warren Buffet), purchased The Scott Fetzer Company and all its subsidiaries. We have grown substantially since moving to Fairview, Tennessee, in 1973, and we continue to be a growing company.
We have expanded our product lines through the years and continue to manufacture some of the same types of transformers we started building in the 1930's. Our current product lines include: neon transformers and fluorescent ballast for the electric sign industry; ignition transformers for residential fuel oil heaters; igniters for portable fuel oil heaters; and electronic power supplies for point-of-sale neon signs.
In late 1997, FRANCE purchased Westrim, a manufacturing company whose products are used in the installation of neon signs. Westrim's product lines of various sign components are a natural fit for FRANCE to manufacture and easily compliment some of our existing product lines. These products are now being manufactured in our Fairview facility.
Throughout our twenty-seven year history in Fairview, we have maintained a keen interest in the growth and development of our community. We're proud of our involvement in the schools, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, parks and other areas; as well as the financial contribution we make to the community through our general business activities.
We have been successful due to the hard work and dedication of our employees. We are especially proud of our current employees who continue to make FRANCE the industry leader for our products and services.
With over 70 years experience, FRANCE has earned its reputation of being the leading manufacturer of neon transformers and ballasts for the sign industry, as well as ignition transformers for the oil heating industry.
Two brothers, Merle and Lester France, founded FRANCE in 1913. The brothers started their business manufacturing battery chargers in their garage in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1921, the company was sold to an employee, P.K. Ranney. In the late 1920's, FRANCE added a line of wire strippers to their battery charger business. In the early 1930's, FRANCE began manufacturing ignition transformers for residential oil heating applications. It was also in the 1930's when we became one of the first companies to manufacture transformers for neon signs.
Operations and plant facilities were increased gradually until World War II, when FRANCE, like a great many other American enterprises, turned all of its engineering and production facilities to the war effort. FRANCE ingenuity and technical competence provided the answers to a number of problems confronting our country during the war. For example, one of the most outstanding developments in Radar power supplies was engineered and manufactured by FRANCE when others had given up because the problem was considered hopeless.
In 1967, Mr. Ranney sold FRANCE to The Scott Fetzer Company. In May of 1973, we opened our doors in Fairview, Tennessee. In 1986, Berkshire Hathaway, (whose chairman is the legendary investor Warren Buffet), purchased The Scott Fetzer Company and all its subsidiaries. We have grown substantially since moving to Fairview, Tennessee, in 1973, and we continue to be a growing company.
We have expanded our product lines through the years and continue to manufacture some of the same types of transformers we started building in the 1930's. Our current product lines include: neon transformers and fluorescent ballast for the electric sign industry; ignition transformers for residential fuel oil heaters; igniters for portable fuel oil heaters; and electronic power supplies for point-of-sale neon signs.
In late 1997, FRANCE purchased Westrim, a manufacturing company whose products are used in the installation of neon signs. Westrim's product lines of various sign components are a natural fit for FRANCE to manufacture and easily compliment some of our existing product lines. These products are now being manufactured in our Fairview facility.
Throughout our twenty-seven year history in Fairview, we have maintained a keen interest in the growth and development of our community. We're proud of our involvement in the schools, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, parks and other areas; as well as the financial contribution we make to the community through our general business activities.
We have been successful due to the hard work and dedication of our employees. We are especially proud of our current employees who continue to make FRANCE the industry leader for our products and services.
FRANCE is a division of the Scott Fetzer Corporation, A Fortune 500 organization based in Westlake, Ohio. In addition to FRANCE, Scott Fetzer brand names include Kirby Vacuum Cleaners, World Book Encyclopedia and Campbell Hausfeld.
Scott Fetzer is wholly owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., an Omaha, Nebraska-based holding company. Berkshire Hathaway is well known for its investment strategies and unequaled value for their shareholders.
Scott Fetzer is wholly owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., an Omaha, Nebraska-based holding company. Berkshire Hathaway is well known for its investment strategies and unequaled value for their shareholders.