Perfect synergy – FOM and Graf Synergy form machinery powerhouse

The formation of the new FOM-GS Group commits Graf and FOM to the joint development of existing and new markets, plus the development of shared technologies and software solutions.

This sits as part of an ambitious three-year strategy through to 2020, which seeks to exploit the leadership position occupied by each, within their respective and each other’s, markets.

A joint statement issued by FOM and Graf said both companies offered ‘a comprehensive range of products, which once integrated’ would ‘compliment and complete’ the other’s.

The statement said that the shared ‘ownership of intellectual properties, patents and software’ would help drive future development’.

It added that although forming a new group, both brands will remain intact, ‘whilst promoting and developing each other’s extensive product range and commercial strategy’.

Promac Group, the partner for both companies in the UK, said that the new commercial agreement would support both machinery manufacturers in growing market share.

Joe Hague, Managing Director, Promac Group, said: “The formation of the FOM-GS Group, pools incredible resource and expertise in cutting edge innovation in PVC-U and aluminium machining technologies.

“This includes giving both access to a comprehensive range of machines and tools for the manufacture of aluminium and PVC-U systems and opportunities for their shared development.

“It’s a strong indicator of the investment that both companies are making in their operations and offers, globally and here in the UK. We expect to be able to announce some significant innovations shortly.”

The formation of the new FOM-GS Group, creates a combined turnover of more than €110million, employing more than 500 staff.

Graf Synergy revolutionized PVC-U fabrication with the launch of the SL4FF seamless corner welder in 2014. Pre-cleaning to exacting tolerances then zip welding the corner joint whilst controlling the flow of sprue, the SL4FF has revolutionised the manufacture of foiled PVC-U products, delivering not only a seamless corner joint but also incredibly strong one.

Showcased by the Promac Group for the first time at last year’s FIT Show, the SL4FF EVO further refines this process by introducing a single, rather than two individual counter-shims.

This provides hold at the window corner joint during manufacture, accommodating greater tolerances and maintaining an exacting finish, regardless of variances in profile.

FOM has built a reputation as a global leader in machining and sawing technologies for PVC-U but more significantly, aluminum. This includes working and cutting lines, CNC machines and thermal bridging systems.

Joe concluded: “This agreement is the logical next step for the machinery sector. In FOM you have a cutting-edge aluminium machinery manufacturer, which is also rapidly establishing itself in the PVC-U market.

Graf is in a league of its own in the development of high-end PVC-U machinery and tooling, with significant scope to grow into new and expanding markets.

“In establishing a new strategic partnership, both gain access to global leading technologies, infrastructure and networks. The new partnership also paves the way to the accelerated delivery of future innovation from two of the world’s leading machinery manufacturers.

“We very much look forward to supporting the new FOM-GS Group in bringing this continuing innovation to the UK.”