Community Impact

Published: July 10, 2026  |  By FP Smith Parts & Equipment

Our 20-acre facility at 3190 Ramsey Road has been a Solano County landmark of service, inventory, and community support for generations. Local sculptor, Phil Glasshoff gifted this pig statue to Pete Smith in 2024 as a tribute to FP Smith's impact on the community

At FP Smith Parts & Equipment, we believe that strong businesses are built on more than just inventory and expertise—they’re rooted in the communities they serve. For nearly 80 years, our family-owned operation in Fairfield, California, has been a cornerstone of Solano County’s agricultural, construction, and industrial heritage. From stocking millions of heavy equipment and tractor parts at our 20-acre facility on 3190 Ramsey Road to supporting local restorations and projects, we’ve always aimed to give back. This commitment reflects generations of service that echo the hardworking spirit of Solano County itself.

From Pig Farms to Parts: Our Roots in Solano County

Our story begins in the rich agricultural landscape of Northern California in the early-to-mid 20th century. Solano County was once home to expansive pig farming operations, including large-scale facilities nicknamed “Pig Palaces” for their innovative, efficient designs that housed hundreds of animals and supplied major stockyards like those in San Francisco during World War II. Francis Peter “Piggy” Smith earned his nickname amid this era of bustling farm life in the Cordelia and Suisun areas. In 1947, he founded FP Smith Parts & Equipment, transitioning from the land’s agricultural legacy into the world of heavy equipment and tractor parts.

This wasn’t just a business pivot—it was a continuation of community stewardship. Solano County’s identity has long been shaped by agriculture, industry, and resilience. The 1976 opening of the Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser) brewery in Fairfield further anchored the area as a hub of production and employment, becoming a visible landmark along I-80 and employing hundreds while brewing for the region. Like the brewery, FP Smith grew alongside local needs, sourcing surplus parts from manufacturers like International Harvester, Caterpillar, Komatsu, John Deere, and more to keep farms, quarries, construction sites, and mining operations running.

Today, as one of the largest independent dealers on the West Coast with decades of parts expertise, we continue to support the very industries that built Solano County—while remembering where we came from.

A Legacy of Generosity: Stories of Giving Back

Francis “Piggy” Smith set the standard for community involvement early on. During the WWII Japanese-American internment, he famously stored a neighbor’s equipment and belongings, safeguarding them until the family could return—a quiet but powerful act of solidarity in a challenging time. His generosity extended through donations to local fire and sheriff departments, the Salvation Army, and other causes that strengthened Fairfield and surrounding areas. For 46 years, he volunteered as Santa Claus at community dinners, bringing joy to families during the holidays.

Our business model emphasizes physical inventory and expert knowledge—not just brokering—to ensure customers get the right parts the first time, minimizing downtime for local ranchers, wineries, construction crews, and restoration enthusiasts working on vintage tractors and equipment.

Over the decades, we’ve contributed through:

• Supporting Local Projects and Restorations: Helping families and enthusiasts preserve agricultural heritage with hard-to-find parts for classic machinery.
• Donations and Sponsorships: Continuing support for first responders, community organizations, and events that matter in Solano County.
• Economic Contributions: Providing same-day shipping (orders before 3pm), expedited options, and worldwide reach while prioritizing local service. Our operations sustain jobs, expertise, and a rebuild center vision that will create even more opportunities in the area.

In a county that values agriculture, innovation, military ties (near Travis Air Force Base), and small businesses, these efforts compound. Solano County’s community foundations, farm bureaus, and volunteer networks thrive when businesses like ours step up—whether through parts support for infrastructure or direct giving.

Why Community Matters in the Heavy Equipment World

Heavy equipment and tractor parts keep Solano County moving—literally. From vineyard maintenance and quarry work to construction and farming, reliable components power progress. But true impact goes beyond transactions. By maintaining millions of parts in stock and drawing on deep historical knowledge (including ties to International Harvester closures and military surplus), we help sustain the industries that employ locals and feed the region.

Our giving back also ties into broader resilience. Just as Solano County has adapted from pig farms and breweries to modern growth, FP Smith evolves while honoring traditions. Recent efforts include website enhancements for better customer access (fpsmithparts.com), professional imagery of our yard and warehouse, and SEO optimizations to connect with more restorers and operators who value community-rooted suppliers.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Tradition

As we approach 80 years, FP Smith remains committed to Solano County. Plans for an expanded rebuild center for engines and transmissions will bring skilled trades and services closer to home. We invite you to be part of this legacy—whether browsing our inventory, sharing your own restoration stories, or joining us in supporting local causes.

Thank you for being part of the FP Smith family. Together, we keep Solano County strong—one part, one project, and one act of giving at a time.