Our history
Formech celebrates 40 years of designing and manufacturing vacuum forming machines
We are continually inspired by the passion and creativity of our customers, who have greatly influenced the continual development of Formech vacuum forming machines and ancillaries. With over four decades of experience in delivering complete solutions including consultancy, equipment, installation and training throughout the globe, Formech can offer unparalleled machine customisation and support to realise new designs and concepts.
1982
Formech is founded
Formech was formed by a group of toy designers to address the need for an economical, versatile and compact vacuum forming machine, capable of producing high quality mouldings from low cost tooling.
1984
Enhancement of the machine range
Formech launches the 450 and 660 machines, providing larger forming areas and improved depth of draw to achieve high definition mouldings across a wider range of applications. Formech 508FS and 686 represent the latest developments of these internationally successful machines.
1985
Welcome to the USA
Hot on the heels of a fantastic market response to Formech machines at the NPE show 1985, Formech enters the US market and establishes Formech USA.
1986
Vacuum Forming in the Education sector
Plastics processing in Design & Technology introduced into the UK National Curriculum, leading to wide adoption of the purpose built Formech 300X throughout the UK education sector. Formech 300X, first replaced with the 300XQ is now represented by the 450DT model.
1990
Formech goes Worldwide
Formech rapidly expands international operations and machines sales, appointing the first resellers in France and Italy. From then on, the reseller network expanded worldwide.
1998
Beginning of touch-screen PLC
Formech increases presence in the industrial sector with the launch of the touch-screen controlled Formech FDH Series (now replaced with the HD Series) for large scale, high definition applications.
2000
Pack it with Formech
Formech enters the packaging sector with the launch of the TF Series, aimed for small to medium production of thin gauge materials. With a quick and easy set-up, the TF machines offers additional throughput to inline production.
2001
Formech joins the British Plastics Federation
The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the world’s longest running plastics trade association, founded in 1933. Formech joins to help develop the thermoforming machinery sector in the UK, as well as support customers with the latest industry developments.
2004
Formech gains ISO 9001:2015 accreditation
ISO 9001:2015 is an international standard that outlines how organisations can establish and improve their quality management systems (QMS). Formech's accreditation, since revalidated, demonstrates its commitment to invest in processes and staff training for delivering flawless products to customers every time.
2010
Quartz heaters arrive at Formech
Quartz heaters implemented across the standard range of Formech machines with ceramic heaters available for specialist applications.
2012
Always making improvements
Formech launches the new 300XQ, the latest evolution in the 300 Series featuring Quartz heaters, firmly establishing itself as the most powerful and energy efficient machine in its class. The Formech 300XQ has now been replaced by the 450DT model, which comes with a mono HMI operating interface.
2013
Formech Cycle View (FCV)
In 2013, Formech completely redesigned the HD and TF machines, paying particular attention to the PLC control and touch screen interface. Formech introduced the Formech Cycle View (FCV), which allows many users to navigate through the entire machine cycle easily and logically. The high resolution graphics provide much more information and greater overview. This led to the launch of the Series 2 HD and TF machines in 2014.
2014
Vacuum form it with Formech
Formech’s automatic HD & TF series earned an international reputation for cost effective and reliable vacuum forming across a wide range of prototyping, testing and production applications. Appreciated for ease of use, efficiency and compact footprint Formech’s HD Series is easy to accommodate and quick to commission.
2023
Four decades, still going strong
40 years after its creation, Formech has a global network of direct offices and qualified partners around the world providing expert advice, local installation and support. Formech machines continue to be designed and built in the UK and exported worldwide.