The new Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) had to start from scratch—there were no
buildings or machinery included in the sale. Among other things, FMIC purchased the name,
intellectual property and some leftover parts. Supported by a core group of loyal employees, dealers
and suppliers (some of whom had been with the company since Leo Fender founded it), Schultz and
his colleagues set out to rebuild an American icon.
The new Fender initially imported its guitars from offshore manufacturers with proven ability to
produce affordable and viable instruments, but the move toward greater quality control soon led to
the establishment in 1 985 of Fender’s flagship U.S. factory in Corona, Calif. A second modern
manufacturing facility opened in 1 987 in Ensenada, Mexico.
Also in 1 987, the renowned Fender Custom Shop opened at the Corona facility, creating dream
instruments for professional guitarists and guitar enthusiasts. Fender had always recognized the
importance of an open-door policy for professional musicians, accommodating their requests for
specific features on an individual basis. The Fender Custom Shop has since become known
worldwide and industry-wide as the pinnacle of craftsmanship and sheer instrumental artistry.
FMIC moved its corporate headquarters from Corona to Scottsdale, Ariz., in 1 991 . From there,
Fender coordinates its administration, marketing, advertising, sales and export operations in the
United States and its international satellite facilities in England, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico,
the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. Schultz retired in 2005, and Mendello became CEO.
Since its founding, FMIC has grown to be one of the world's leading marketers, manufacturers, and
distributors of musical instruments. It manufactures and distributes everything guitarists and bassists
need, from instruments, amplifiers, strings and accessories to professional audio products. Fender
became one of the world leaders by defining the sounds we hear, by meeting the needs of
musicians, by creating quality products and by backing them up with service and stability. As FMIC
forges into the 21 st century, its management strives to maintain Fender’s status through a
combination of business acumen and love for music.
Corporate headquarters is located in Scottsdale, Ariz., U.S.A., with manufacturing headquarters and
the Fender Custom Shop in Corona, Calif. FMIC markets using the brand names Fender®, Squier®,
Charvel®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, and EVH®.
For more information, contact Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, 1 7600 N. Perimeter Drive,
Suite 1 00 Scottsdale, AZ 85255, 480.596.9690