Floform Limited
Established in 1959, Floform specialises in cold forming processes: producing components by deforming metal without applying heat. The company’s product range includes spark plug electrodes, semiconductor mounts and alternator diode bases, as well as injector sleeves for truck diesel engines.
By shaping products using dies, cold forming results in consistent products because there is little or no need for finishing operations. Their finished products also have superior surface finish and material properties.The process generates exceptionally little waste: less than 5% of the copper it uses is sent for scrap.
Floform’s customers are principally in the automotive and power generation sectors, with major customers in Sweden, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Turkey, Taiwan, United States, Brazil and China, and it has recently won a new contract in Korea - maintaining its competitive position by working closely with its suppliers and customers - notably through a technical assistance programme. It has TS16949 and ISO14001 accreditation, and its quality procedures stand up to external scrutiny.
“We offer a bespoke service and work with customers to develop and finalise products,” says Phil Lawrence. For example, new requirements on emission levels are impacting on commercial vehicle engine design - and Floform is modifying its products to help manufacturers achieve tough new targets.
Sales and marketing manager Mark Langston claims that one of the company’s strengths is that it has no direct competitor across its full product range. “We are unique in our product range, with a unique skills base and distinctive technology base. This gives the company room to exploit its knowledge base, and it means that it is under less pressure from companies in low-cost economies than many UK manufacturing businesses.”
When a major US customer filed for Chapter 11 protection, losing Floform 25% of its business, it was able to respond by diversifying and finding new markets.
The support on tap in Wales has been a significant factor in Floform’s drive for success. “Team Wales is more proactive than anything I’ve seen before in the UK,” says Mark Langston. “They contact us, involve us, invite us to events, and come up with ideas to help use improve our business.”
“The networking opportunities afforded by bodies like the Wales Automotive Forum allow us to see different visions of doing business, while International Business Wales has helped us research different areas and explained what is available in terms of developing further export opportunities.”
“Wales tries harder.”
