Aluminium and PVC-U cutting and machining technology suppliers, FOM Industrie and Graf Synergy, have formed a new partnership, ‘as part of a major strategic growth plan’.
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 others. 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 each machinery manufacturer 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.
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.”
