We’ve relocated our pattern manufacturing division to our new factory in Horndean, a move that has allowed us to expand these operations. We’ve taken this step to meet growing demand from our automotive, motorsport and other industry clients.

As part of the expansion of the Formaplex pattern manufacturing division, we are investing £750,000 in two new large CMS Aries 4826 5-axis machines. These machines will help boost our pattern manufacturing capacity and will be on site soon.

We’ve also expanded our team: we’ve hired new manufacturing and administrative staff and we’ve grown our design team, which has boosted our pattern and tool design capacity. In addition, the new facility benefits from a high-capacity dust extraction system and boasts a separate inspection room.

The space vacated by the pattern manufacturing division is being used to expand our tool-making and metallic machining facilities. In this area, we’ve invested in two DMG monoblock 5-axis machines to complement our current technology and to aid the expansion of the aeronautical industry work that Formaplex currently undertakes for the motorsport and wind tunnel industries.

It’s a great time of expansion at Formaplex and we’re delighted to be increasing our capacity in some of our key specialist manufacturing areas.

To find out more about Formaplex products and services, contact us on +44 (0) 2392 499276 or info@formaplex.com.

Positions

Storeman x 2

Reach Truck licence and knowledge of MAS MRP system would be an advantage.

The company

Formaplex is a pioneering rapid engineering company specialising in composite and injection-mould tooling, manufacture of plastic components and niche vehicle assembly. With a reputation for excellence built on decades of engineering expertise and a dedication to dynamic working practices, we supply our clients with an innovative and industry-leading service. Formaplex works with clients that operate at the very top of their fields. In an environment where exceptional performance is standard, our dynamic approach to manufacturing solutions set us apart from the competition.

The department

The Foxhound division specialises in the manufacture and fitment of the General Dynamics LPPV vehicle Foxhound which provides unprecedented levels of protection for troops facing the threat of IEDS and other forms of attack. As part of our on-going expansion of the department in Horndean, Hampshire, the required successful applicants will be responsible for the fit and build of the protective pod.

The candidates

The chosen candidates will be team players but also able to work on their own initiative to precise and documented control plans. Previous experience within these rolls is essential.

The posts offer competitive salaries and include 20 days holiday plus bank holidays. Immediate starts are possible for the right candidates.

Applications to: Ian Wilson, Projects Director, Formaplex Ltd, Foxhound Facility, Unit A1, Hazleton Interchange, Lakesmere Road, Horndean, Hampshire, PO8 9JU, or ian.wilson@formaplex.com.

Positions

Vehicle Fitter x 10

The company

Formaplex is a pioneering rapid engineering company specialising in composite and injection-mould tooling, manufacture of plastic components and niche vehicle assembly. With a reputation for excellence built on decades of engineering expertise and a dedication to dynamic working practices, we supply our clients with an innovative and industry-leading service. Formaplex works with clients that operate at the very top of their fields. In an environment where exceptional performance is standard, our dynamic approach to manufacturing solutions set us apart from the competition.

The department

The Foxhound division specialises in the manufacture and fitment of the General Dynamics LPPV vehicle Foxhound which provides unprecedented levels of protection for troops facing the threat of IEDS and other forms of attack. As part of our on-going expansion of the department in Horndean, Hampshire, the required successful applicants will be responsible for the fit and build of the protective pod.

The candidates

The chosen candidates will be team players but also able to work on their own initiative to precise and documented control plans. Previous experience within these rolls would be an advantage but full training will be given where possible.

The posts offer competitive salaries and include 20 days holiday plus bank holidays. Immediate starts are possible for the right candidates.

Applications to: Ian Wilson, Projects Director, Formaplex Ltd, Foxhound Facility, Unit A1, Hazleton Interchange, Lakesmere Road, Horndean, Hampshire, PO8 9JU, or ian.wilson@formaplex.com.

Positions

Qualified Electro/Mechanical Fitment Engineer x 2

Previous experience of vehicle builds would be an advantage.

The company

Formaplex is a pioneering rapid engineering company specialising in composite and injection-mould tooling, manufacture of plastic components and niche vehicle assembly. With a reputation for excellence built on decades of engineering expertise and a dedication to dynamic working practices, we supply our clients with an innovative and industry-leading service. Formaplex works with clients that operate at the very top of their fields. In an environment where exceptional performance is standard, our dynamic approach to manufacturing solutions set us apart from the competition.

The department

The Foxhound division specialises in the manufacture and fitment of the General Dynamics LPPV vehicle Foxhound which provides unprecedented levels of protection for troops facing the threat of IEDS and other forms of attack. As part of our on-going expansion of the department in Horndean, Hampshire, the required successful applicants will be responsible for the fit and build of the protective pod.

The candidates

The chosen candidates will be team players but also able to work on their own initiative to precise and documented control plans.

The posts offer competitive salaries and include 20 days holiday plus bank holidays. Immediate starts are possible for the right candidates.

Applications to: Ian Wilson, Projects Director, Formaplex Ltd, Foxhound Facility, Unit A1, Hazleton Interchange, Lakesmere Road, Horndean, Hampshire, PO8 9JU, or ian.wilson@formaplex.com.

Formaplex is a pioneering rapid engineering company specialising in composite tooling, injection-mould tooling and the manufacture of plastic components. With a reputation for excellence built on decades of engineering expertise and a dedication to dynamic working practices, we supply our clients with an innovative and industry-leading service. Formaplex works with clients that operate at the very top of their fields. In an environment where exceptional performance is standard, our unique high-speed machining technology and unparalleled tooling expertise set us apart from the competition.

The department

The Formaplex Composites Department specialises in pattern and tool manufacture, carrying out a great deal of work for clients in the motorsport and Formula 1 industries. The department has recently moved to new, larger premises and, going forward, we are aiming to increase our customer base and diversify into different fields within the composites industry.

The role

Based at our Composite Department in Horndean, Hampshire, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing long-term business opportunities across a wide range of industry sectors including aerospace, military, motorsport and automotive.

The candidate

The successful candidate will have several years’ direct sales management experience gained within an engineering environment and will possess a broad knowledge of the advanced composites industry. As well as being self-motivated and ambitious, the ideal candidate will have an excellent track record of business development and project management. An understanding of the technical issues related to composite tooling would be a major advantage.

The post offers exciting potential for a professional individual keen on developing a career within the dynamic manufacturing environment of a rapidly expanding, highly successful company.

The post has a competitive salary and includes 20 days’ holiday plus bank holidays. An immediate start is possible.

Applications to: Jon Payne, Composites Director, Formaplex Ltd, Composites Facility, Unit M4, Hazleton Interchange, Lakesmere Road, Horndean, Hampshire, PO8 9JU, or jon.payne@formaplex.com.

No agency contact required.

1965 Shelby Mustang - Photo by Scott Mitchell

We’re taking another break from composite tooling to give you another alternative Formaplex automotive story. Our Composites Director, Jon Payne, has been behind the steering wheel at a very famous motor circuit again – this time it was our very own Silverstone.

After the six-hour competition at Spa-Francorchamps in December, the 2012 VSCC Pomeroy Trophy at Silverstone promised a shorter and, theoretically, more relaxed race, although Jon would still be hurtling round in something classic – this time a 1965 Shelby Mustang. As it turned out, there was plenty of drama.

The VSCC Pomeroy Trophy pits cars of all ages against each other in a series of tests in order to find the best GT car of all time. Handling, acceleration and braking tests are all part of the criteria, as is a high-speed time trial. In addition, the cars must be road legal and be able to carry two ‘standard’ VSCC suitcases.

The day attracts cars as diverse as those built in the early 20th century to modern day models, and the field for the 2012 event, marking 60 years of the trophy, ranged from a 9500cc 1911 SCAT Racer to a 2011 Audi R8. To even the playing field, a handicap system is employed based on a series of factors, including engine size, year of manufacturer and, rather peculiarly, the distance between brake pedal and rear axle.

So, under glorious blue skies, the scene was set for Jon to make his mark in the muscular Mustang. However, making that impression would be no mean feat. Having battled to get the car ready and road legal for the day, on the morning of the event, the team was presented with gearbox problems, a broken radiator fan and throttle cable, and a fuel leak during testing. For a car that guzzles a litre of fuel every minute, a leak was no minor inconvenience.

Some expert and innovative engineering got the Mustang ready for the 40-minute high-speed time trial, only for the gearbox to start playing up again after ten minutes: Jon ended up roaring around the course stuck in fourth gear. But this wasn’t the end of the race for the team as the car’s big engine and ample torque meant Jon could put in the pace that was needed.

And what a pace it was. Jon finished second in his class and 22nd overall. The winner of the VSCC Pomeroy Trophy and the best GT of 2012? A 1970 Ford Escort Mk1 – British engineering on top again!

To find out more about Formaplex services, contact us on +44 (0) 2392 499276 or info@formaplex.com.

CNC machinist vacancy

As part of the ongoing growth at Formaplex, we are expanding our Toolmaking Department. A new 10-tonne overhead crane and a 150-tonne Bed Out press are being installed to support this growth and, as a result, we have vacancies for a day-shift and a night-shift toolmaker.

The expansion of the Toolmaking Department at our Havant site will be completed in the spring and will follow the relocation of our Composite Department to our brand new 13,000 sq. ft. facility, also in Hampshire.

Applicants must have experience of injection mould tooling or composite tooling. The successful applicants will benefit from an extremely competitive salary and a superb working environment at a pioneering rapid engineering company.

Applications to: Ben Yule, Operations Manager, Formaplex Ltd, Unit 1, Dakota Business Park, 14 Downley Road, Havant, Hampshire, or ben.yule@formaplex.com.

No agency contact required.

CNC machinist vacancy

Pioneering rapid engineering company Formaplex continues to grow. As part of our ongoing expansion, we have purchased two new DMG DMU 100 Monoblock CNC machines and, as a result, we have vacancies for a day-shift and a night-shift CNC machinist.

The new machines will arrive in the spring and we are seeking to fill the two vacancies by then. Applicants must have experience of using Heidenhain machines. Knowledge of CAM programming would be advantageous.

In addition, experience of injection-mould tooling, composite tooling or component manufacturing would be preferable, but training can be provided. The successful applicants will benefit from an extremely competitive salary and a superb working environment.

Applications to: Ben Yule, Operations Manager, Formaplex Ltd, Unit 1, Dakota Business Park,  14 Downley Road, Havant, Hampshire, or ben.yule@formaplex.com.

No agency contact required.

Subject: Merry Christmas

Ian,

Just a brief note to wish you and all of your staff at Formaplex a very Merry Christmas. Your support throughout this year has been outstanding and I thank you for that – dealing with Formaplex is a joy, how easy life would be if only the rest of British industry was the same!!

All the very best,

John

John Scott MSc MAPM
Operations Director
Force Protection Europe

“Force Protection Europe Ltd have been working with Formaplex for the last few years throughout the development of the innovative Ocelot vehicle – the first military composite-based vehicle that we are aware of.

It is known to the British Army as Foxhound and will be delivered into Afghanistan early next year. Formaplex are undoubtedly experts in their field, great to work with, and have been hugely responsive in their approach, whether that has been in terms of capital investment, staffing and working hours, or working with our other partners.”

David Hind (Managing Director Force Protection Europe)