100 Years of FORDS: Where It All Began

As we celebrate 100 years of FORDS, we wanted to take you on a journey of how the company was formed and what makes us who we are today. 

As we celebrate a century of pioneering excellence in foil closure technology, let’s go through a journey of time. Established in 1924 by two visionary brothers, our roots lie in the heart of the UK’s dairy industry. It was the genius development of a crimp sealing machine for returnable milk bottles that propelled us from a local entity to a global household name.  

During the tumultuous years of the Second World War, our machines became essential to milk production across the UK. In the post-war period, FORDS was able to seize the opportunity for growth, refining our technology and expanding our horizons alongside the take-off of the economic growth. Plastics began to revolutionise our industry, ushering in a new era of heat-sealed foil closures and paving the way for innovative applications like aseptic filling. For a hundred years, FORDS has stood as a beacon of innovation, partnering with brand owners, packaging manufacturers, and filling machine builders to deliver cutting-edge solutions worldwide. Join us as we continue the journey of shaping the future of packaging technology.  

In its infancy, FORDS’ entrepreneurial spirit led it to produce paper caps for “Tuberculin” tested bottles. Yet, the journey to success was not without hurdles. Initial attempts at introducing a paper cap fastened with an elastic band were met with resistance due to hygiene concerns. Undeterred, the brothers continued to innovate, eventually developing a gummed paper disc that revolutionised bottle sealing. 

The post-war era ushered in a new chapter for FORDS as it foresaw the potential of aluminium caps for milk bottles. Guided by the vision of Geoffrey and Peter Ford, sons of the founders, the company underwent “The Great Changeover” from paper to aluminium caps. With the launch of FORDS’ aluminium capping machine, the company solidified its position as an industry leader, catering to the evolving needs of the market. 

Transporting both goods and goodwill, FORDS’ business ethos in the 1950s was as innovative as the crimp sealing machine they pioneered. Sales Representatives traversed the countryside in style, transporting to customers’ sites in Dellow Mk II Sports Cars. These sleek vehicles weren’t just a mode of transport; they were a symbol to FORDS commitment to speed and efficiency. Clad in vibrant red to mirror the company’s signature colours, the cars become synonymous with FORDS’ brand identity. “The fellow in the Dellow” became a catchy phrase, immortalised in FORDS’ advertising campaigns, cementing the Dellow sports car as an indelible part of our heritage.

At FORDS, the legacy of powerful women runs deep. In an era where gender norms constrained career paths, FORDS stood apart and embraced talent regardless of gender. In the 1960s Carole Allen, an influential draughtsperson, defied conventions by excelling in a role typically dominated by men. Her technical drawings were the backbone of our machines and equipment, shaping the very foundation of our success.  

Fast forward to the present day, female leadership continues to thrive within our company. Today, FORDS is proudly led by CEO Laura Whincup, whose vision and guidance steer us towards new accomplishments. From Carole’s pioneering contributions to Laura’s exemplary leadership, women have played an integral role in shaping the past, present, and future of FORDS. 

Fuelled by ambition and innovation, FORDS expanded its footprint beyond the UK, venturing into international markets across Europe, America, and Russia. FORDS’ presence at dairy trade shows and partnerships with leading filler manufacturers propelled its growth trajectory. Milestones such as the monumental 1961 order from R.A Auerbach Inc. Underscored FORDS’ global influence and reputation for excellence.  

As we diversified into industries beyond dairy, including brewing and pharmaceuticals, its commitment to innovation remained unwavering. Advanced sealing machinery, such as rotary sealers and high-speed machines, enhanced production processes and set new benchmarks in efficiency and reliability. FORDS’ relentless pursuit of excellence drove it to explore new markets and technologies, shaping the future of packaging solutions.  

In keeping with our legacy of innovation, FORDS has embraced sustainability as a cornerstone of our future vision. Recent innovations in packaging design and development have enabled brands to reduce their packaging by up to 60%, reducing environmental impact without compromising on performance. In 2021, FORDS unveiled its ambitious rebrand with the slogan ‘Shaping the Future’ at its core. This was a nod to the innovative and forward-thinking approach the company takes to packaging solutions, always searching for new ways to change the game in packaging. The introduction of Hermes, the latest generation Capping Press capable of running at speeds of up to 3,000 caps per minute, exemplifies FORDS’ commitment to being innovative leaders of the future of packaging technology. 

As we celebrate 100 years of innovation, FORDS stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, ingenuity, and forward-thinking. From humble beginnings to global recognition, our journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for pushing boundaries. As we look to the future, we remain committed to driving change, shaping the future of packaging, and leaving a lasting legacy of innovation for generations to come.