The 79-Year Journey of FP Smith Parts

Published: July 7, 2026  |  By FP Smith Parts & Equipment

Our sprawling ~20-acre facility at 3190 Ramsey Road, Fairfield — the physical heart of a nearly 80-year independent parts legacy.

In the heart of Northern California’s Solano County, where fertile lands once supported vast agricultural operations and industrial ambition took root, a family business was born that would become synonymous with reliability in the heavy equipment and tractor parts industry. This is the story of FP Smith Parts & Equipment (also known as Piggy Smith’s or F.P. Smith Equipment Co.), a true American success tale spanning nearly eight decades.

From humble pig farming origins in the 1920s–1940s to one of the largest independent stocking dealers of new OEM surplus, quality used, reconditioned, and hard-to-find vintage parts, our journey reflects resilience, integrity, community values, and an unwavering commitment to keeping equipment running.

The Pig Farm Foundations: Francis Peter “Piggy” Smith’s Early Enterprise

The nickname “Piggy Smith’s” wasn’t born in the parts business—it came decades earlier. In the 1920s through the 1940s, Francis Peter “Piggy” Smith operated one of the largest pig farms in Northern California on his ranch in Cordelia (near modern-day Fairfield). With more than 10,000 pigs at its peak, the operation supplied critical provisions to the San Francisco stockyards under contract during World War II, contributing directly to the war effort.

This era instilled in Francis the values of hard work, fairness, and resourcefulness that would define the company. Post-war, as the hog business phased out, Francis pivoted decisively. He began acquiring military surplus parts and tractors, transforming the family operation into a trusted source for agricultural machinery components. FP Smith quickly earned a reputation in California’s farming community as the place to find tractor parts.

Community, Integrity, and the WWII-Era Legacy

Beyond business, Francis Peter Smith embodied generosity and fairness. A standout story from the WWII internment period highlights his character: When a Japanese-American neighbor faced forced relocation, others tried to exploit the situation by offering rock-bottom prices for his farm equipment. Francis instead bought it at full value, stored the equipment safely for years, and returned it intact when the family was released—preserving their livelihood and demonstrating profound integrity during a difficult chapter in American history.

Francis’s community spirit extended throughout his life. He donated to local fire and sheriff departments, supported the Salvation Army, and volunteered as Santa Claus at annual community dinners for an incredible 46 years. These acts weren’t marketing—they were core to who he was, and they continue to shape FP Smith’s culture today.

Expansion Through Opportunity: IH Surplus and Beyond

The 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s marked explosive growth. As major manufacturers like International Harvester (IH) closed facilities and consolidated, FP Smith seized the moment, purchasing truckloads of parts and inventory. These acquisitions, combined with surplus from Komatsu, Dresser, Dressta, Payhauler, Hough, Allis-Chalmers, Caterpillar, John Deere, and others, built one of the largest physical inventories on the West Coast—millions of parts stocked across a sprawling ~20-acre facility with warehouses and yards at 3190 Ramsey Rd., Fairfield, CA 94534.

FP Smith also became a pioneer in importing tractor undercarriage parts from Italy, further solidifying its position. In the late 2000s, the company was awarded a significant U.S. Army contract for hundreds of reconditioned diesel engines and transmissions, proving its expertise at scale.

Today, under the leadership of Francis’s son Pete Smith, the business remains family-owned and independent. Pete has continued the legacy, serving as President of the Independent Distributors Association (IDA) in 2014 and hosting the 2011 IDA convention at the Fairfield facility, welcoming over 300 members from 26 countries.

What Sets FP Smith Apart: Real Inventory, Real Expertise

Unlike brokers who simply connect buyers to distant sellers, FP Smith physically stocks the vast majority of what we sell. This model—built over 79 years—means faster fulfillment, deeper knowledge of part compatibility (especially for vintage and still-in-use equipment), and the ability to help customers get the right part the first time, minimizing downtime for farms, construction sites, quarries, mines, wineries, and industrial operations.

Our inventory spans engines, transmissions, undercarriage, hydraulics, bearings, radiators, and more for countless models. We support restoration enthusiasts preserving American manufacturing heritage as passionately as we serve active fleets. Same-day shipping (orders before 3 PM PST) and worldwide reach combine with old-school service values.

A Living Legacy in 2026 and Beyond

Seventy-nine years in, the core remains unchanged: family-owned, inventory-rich, expertise-driven, and community-minded. We’re proud to carry forward Francis “Piggy” Smith’s vision—stocking real parts, delivering honest service, and building relationships that last as long as the machines we support.

Whether you’re restoring a classic International Harvester tractor, maintaining a Komatsu dozer, or sourcing hard-to-find Caterpillar components, FP Smith Parts stands ready with millions of parts and decades of know-how.

You can learn more about our history here.

Browse our inventory online, call our sales team, or visit us in Fairfield. Let’s keep your equipment running strong—for the next 79 years and beyond.