Customer stories

Customer stories

We asked our UK customer Certikin some questions.

This is what Adam Butler answered.

Which product do you manufacture?

We manufacture bespoke liners for swimming pools, mainly for the UK pool market.

Why did you decide to purchase a Forsstrom machine?

in 2002 we expanded our operation to include the manufacture of bespoke PVC liners for swimming pools. Through research visits to Group companies who already had many years of experience in this field, it became clear that the Forsstrom welders are the right tool for the job. There are simply no competitors, and it has remained so for the last 20 years, so when we came to replace our original machines there was nowhere else we needed to look other than Forsstrom.

Do you have any tip concerning your Forsstrom machines that you would like to share?

My top tip for using these machines is to use a layer of silicone foam over the electrode to give the weld a soft and smooth feel.

What is your experience with service and support after the delivery of the machine?

There is always someone we can speak to regarding technical or optimisation issues, be it the UK agents or the technicians in the factory in Sweden.

Thank you for sharing  Adam Butler and Certikin.

More customer stories

Read more about our customers and their Forsstrom experience and stories here

We asked our Dutch customer Hörmann Alkmaar some questions.

This is what Sven Manse answered.

Which product do you manufacture?

At Hörmann Alkmaar we produce dock equipment, with our Forsstrom welding machines we manufacture inflatable dock shelters.
Dock shelters protect your goods and staff during the loading and unloading process, keeping them warm and sheltered so that they remain healthy and happy as they work – shelters also help you to cut down on energy costs with a reduced heating bill.

Why did you decide to purchase a Forsstrom machine?

When years ago, we were looking to replace our old welding machines, we were looking for a partner that could meet our special needs and quality wishes.
Forsstrom was the only company that, from the first meeting, presented specials drawings and solutions and gave extra input.

Is there anything you are specifically satisfied with?

The build quality of the machines. The possibility for so many custom touches, they meet our needs perfectly.

Do you have any tip concerning your Forsstrom machines that you would like to share?

Listen to your operators, they work every day on these machines, Forsstrom is very flexible and can possibly meet most of your operator wishes.

Is there anything else that you would like to share concerning your relationship with Forsstrom?

I visited Forsstrom a few times, and I really like the family company vibe and the company people, everybody is very nice and helpful.

Thank you for sharing Sven Manse and Hörmann Alkmaar.

We asked our Spanish customer Markleen some questions.

This is what Álvaro Piedra Vera answered.

Which product do you manufacture?

Markleen mainly focuses on the development and production of high-end marine solutions:
-Equipment to combat pollution from oil spills
-Equipment for the aquaculture industry
Since 2023, we also cover the manufacture of membranes for covers for biogas generation.

Why did you decide to purchase Forsstrom machines?

Forsstrom is widely recognized in the industry as a leading manufacturer in high frequency welding technology.
Their reputation and experience together with the quality and performance gave us the confidence to purchase the first welding machine.
After evaluating its performance, Markleen decided to continue to trust Forsstrom and its technology. As a result, we have been acquiring several machines successively until we have a total of 5 machines in our production plant, some of them being unique in the sector at the time of their manufacture.

Is there anything you are specifically satisfied with?

The quality of the welds: we are very satisfied with the quality of the welds that we achieve with the Forsstrom machines. Efficiency and productivity: The machines have proven to be efficient and have had a positive impact on our overall productivity.

Customization: Forsstrom’s technical team has been able to work closely with us to understand our requirements and develop custom machines that meet Markleen’s expectations.

After sales support: We are very satisfied with the after sales support we have received from Forsstrom. They have been on hand to answer our queries and provide technical advice when we have needed it.

Have your Forsstrom machines surprised you in any way?

Ease of use: Its interface and controls are clear and accessible, making it easy to operate and adjust welding parameters. Staff can quickly adapt to the machines and start using them efficiently.

Durability and reliability: Forsstrom machines have proven to be reliable and long-lasting with up-to-date recommended maintenance. We currently have a 2003 machine that is working like the first day.

Do you have any tip concerning your Forsstrom machines that you would like to share?

From our experience, it is essential to perform regular maintenance on the machines according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. On the other hand, it is important to adequately train the operators so that they know all the details of the machine and can get the most out of its use.

What is your experience with service and support after the delivery of your machines?

Forsstrom’s technical support team has demonstrated a high level of professionalism, accountability, and commitment in providing us ongoing support. They have demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the machines and have been able to resolve our queries in a timely matter.

In addition, they have been willing to provide advice and guidance regarding the best practical operation and maintenance of the machines. They have provided us with useful recommendations and shared their experience to help us optimize machine performance and maximize our production efficiency.

Thank you for being our customer and for sharing your experience Álvaro Piedra Vera and Markleen.

We asked our Dutch customer Buitink Zeilmakerij Duiven some questions.

This is what Rienk de Vries answered.

Which product do you manufacture?

Lift cushions, inflatable floats, bellows, stretch tents, tensioned membranes, textile facades and many other sailcloth and foil products for niche markets.

Why did you decide to purchase Forsstrom machines?

We have 3 high frequency welding machines from Forsstrom: two TDW-Mega 800 Mega (20 kW) and a TG-90 Mega 800 (20 kW). We purchased the first Forsstrom welding machine in 2019.

Have your Forsstrom machines surprised you in any way?

No, we deliberately chose the – in our eyes – best quality high frequency welding machines with the most possibilities (e.g. the largest free space between the electrode and the machine). This expectation was met.

Is there anything else that you would like to share concerning your relationship with Forsstrom or about your Forsstrom machines?

What we like about the Forsstrom organisation is that it still seems to be driven by technicians and technical know-how (and not by economies of scale and optimisation of short-term profits dictated by a private equity shareholder). Engineering and technique seem to be central and hopefully it will stay that way!
Thank you for being our customer and for sharing your experience Rienk de Vries and Buitink Zeilmakerij Duiven

We asked our Canadian customer E-Cargo Tarps some questions.

This is what Kendrick Martin answered.

Which product do you manufacture?

We manufacture numerous Tarp based producto for various types of load covering solutions for the transportation industry in North America.

Why did you decide to purchase Forsstrom machines?

We wanted to:
  1. Increase capacity
  2. Improve quality
  3. Be able to weld multiple layers of vinyl material
We verified all the competiting solutions in North America and chose Forsstrom due to:
  • Quality of the producto
  • Reliability of the machines
  • Capabilities of the units
  • Warranty
  • Outstanding Customer Service, pre-sale, during the installation and post installation
  • They offered industry Experience and guidance
  • Eve Hawthorne, their Customer Servie Manager is the best in the business and a key reason why we selected this company. Excellent Service and support.

Is there anything you are specifically satisfied with?

Outstanding machine capabilities BUT most importantly excellent Customer Service and Technical Support when issues arrise. Southwestern High Frequency is excellent.

Have your Forsstrom machines surprised you in any way?

We expected the machines to be good…they have been great.
Quality of the finished goods sets us apart in our industry.
The machines are highly reliable.

What is your experience with service and support after the delivery of your machines?

Forsstrom offers BEST IN CLASS Customer Service and Technical support. Even better than other manufacturers based in North America.

Is there anything else that you would like to share concerning your relationship with Forsstrom or about your Forsstrom machines?

Other companies sell HF machines, Forsstrom sells a complete solution, which includes a highly reliable, capable machine that produces excellent quality BUT most importantly, with their customer service and technical support, they KEEP YOUR MACHINES RUNNING and production flowing. This is priceless.
Forsstrom is one of our best suppliers, hands down. We have multiple units.
Thank you for sharing, E-Cargo Tarps and Kendrick Martin, and thank you for being our customer.

We asked our Norwegian customer Norena some questions.

This is what Tore Smerud answered.

Which product do you manufacture?

Norena produces the following products:
Collapsible canoes
Winter tarpaulins for sail and motor boats
Upholstery mats for alpine facilities and nurseries/schools
Sled mats
Diving flags
Roller tarpaulins for all types of vehicles
Tents for the Armed Forces and the Intelligence Service
Outdoor scenes

Why did you decide to purchase Forsstrom machines?

You understood our wishes and needs, and made the machines the way we wanted them. There is a short distance in terms of service and help and no language problems. We liked both the appearance and the functionality of the machines.

Is there anything you are specifically satisfied with?

We don’t often need service, but when problems do arise they are solved quickly. Either by assisiting us on the phone or by visiting when the problems are more complex.

Have your Forsstrom machines surprised you in any way?

The machines are as shown, no surprises.

What is your experience with service and support after the delivery of your machines?

Very good. We enjoy buying machines from Swedes as we get what we ask and pay for.

Is there anything else that you would like to share concerning your relationship with Forsstrom or about your Forsstrom machines?

We find you pleasant and welcoming.

Thank you for sharing, Norena and Tore Smerud and thank you for being our customer.

We asked our Swedish customer Wetterskogs some questions.

This is what Björn Segerdahl answered.

Which product do you manufacture?

The areas we focus on are:
Industry, rescue and healthcare.
What we manufacture most are bladders for rescue products.
For the area healthcare we manufacture mobility aids, stretchers and various inflatable parts.
For the area industry, we manufacture protection and various inflatable aids.
One of our own products is inflatable mattresses for the inside of timber dryers for sawmills.

Why did you purchase machines from Forsstrom?

Because they are the best. It is as simple as that. Reliable machines.
Forsstrom has fast delivery times for spare parts, Forsstrom solves our problems quickly and Forsstrom always answers the phone.

Is there something you are particularily happy with?

Klas Nicander. He is such a nice man and d**n good at his job.

Have your Forsstrom machines surprised you in any way?

Yes, that they just keep going on and on.

Do you have any tips related to your Forsstrom machines that you would like to share?

Clean and service your Forsstrom machine and you will have a working machine for the rest of your life.

How do you experience service and support after the delivery of your machines?

After the delivery of a machine there is always some reasoning about different functions of the machine. When everything has been solved you run the machine until something happens and then we just call Forsstrom.

Do you have anything else you would like to share about your relationship with Forsstrom?

I miss Willy Forsström and Forsstrom’s good beer.
Thank you Wetterskogs and Björn Segerdahl for sharing and for being our customer.

We asked our Canadian customer Grandchamp Structure Design some questions.

This is what Nelson Grandchamp answered.

Which product do you manufacture?

Our main core business is Clear-Span tent.
We can see our tents in the major events all across North America, like the F1 race in Montreal.

We also make tents for the military
We make sail shade, print banner, and everything we can weld on the Forsstrom we try to do it!

Why did you decide to purchase Forsstrom machines?

The story is that were at the 2013 IFAI show.
Me and my father were looking to buy a RF welding machine as we were using hot air welder and we were looking for a more reliable, nicer and quicker way to weld our tents.
Our decision was mostly made to buy a Kabar 20kw welder at 45K$us.
Then suddenly we saw the Forsstrom booth and we fell in love with the staff, the knowledge and the machine.
We saw more potential in this machine that will in the long term be more suitable for us, and it did!
So we tripled what we expected to spend on a machine and bought our first 19M TDW Mega 20KW.

Is there anything you are specifically satisfied with?

The team at Forsstrom! The quality of the machine.

Have your Forsstrom machines surprised you in any way?

Reliability! They are tank!
We have moved them 2 times and plan on moving them a 3rd time in a new building in the next or so years.
Also, the capability of doing A-B workstation and having the machine to move automatically!

Do you have any tip concerning your Forsstrom machines that you would like to share?

If you are looking at the travel machine: Buy as long as a table you can fit in your shop! This table is always too short! haha

What is your experience with service and support after the delivery of your machines?

Incredible service with all the staff at Forsstom

Thank you Grandchamp Structure Design and Nelson Grandchamp for sharing and for being our customer.

We asked our Indian customer Lucky International some questions.

This is what Punit Jhaveri answered.

Which product do you manufacture?

LUCKY specialises in providing engineered & innovative solutions in PVC/ PVDF coated fabrics for various applications including tensile structures, biogas balloons, tents, and trucks

Why did you decide to purchase Forsstrom machines?

One word – MIKAEL

Is there anything you are specifically satisfied with?

Your machines are a WORK-HORSE, work consistently like a charm

Have your Forsstrom machines surprised you in any way?

Yes, everytime, very easy to use

Do you have any tip concerning your Forsstrom machines that you would like to share?

Naaa, you guys are the best

What is your experience with service and support after the delivery of your machines?

On time – every time

Is there anything else that you would like to share concerning your relationship with Forsstrom or about your Forsstrom machines?

You have created a special bond with us through your machines, relationship

Thank you Punit Jhaveri and Lucky International for sharing and for being our customer.

We asked our Swedish customer Specialplast some questions.

Here is what Tore Solvang answered:

Which product do you make?

We are mostly a manufacturer of medical technology products, but we also make special and office products. We don’t have any products of our own, but instead help our customers develop and manufacture their products.

Why did you purchase a machine from Forsstrom?

The Forsstrom machines are of good quality and the support is great.

Is there anything you are specifically satisfied with?

You are always very helpful.

Has your Forsstrom machine surprised you in any way?

I find the Forsstrom machines very good and reliable.

What is your experience with service and support after the machine delivery?

It has worked very well.

Is there anyting you would like to share?

The colaboration with Forsstrom works very well and I’m satisfied.
Thank you Tore Solvang and Specialplast for sharing and for being our customer.

We asked our UK customer Custom Covers some questions.

This is what Simon Bell answered.

Which product do you manufacture?

a. Temporary structures and tensile fabric structures
b. Swimming pool covers

Why did you decide to purchase Forsstrom machines?

We bought our first Forsstrom machine over 20 years ago based on an evaluation of value for money and productivity benefits. As we continued to grow, we have continued to buy Forsstrom welders as they match of methods of working and are well supported. We have now just bought our 10th & 11th TDW welders.

Is there anything you are specifically satisfied with?

We value to ability to place large sheets into the welding trough, and this allows good clearance around the welding electrode.

Do you have any tip concerning your Forsstrom machines that you would like to share?

The ability to programme in a semi-automatic mode aids productivity in long welding runs.

What is your experience with service and support after the delivery of your machines?

The UK is well served by James’s support (James Nightingale at HF Industries), and we have always had rapid support from Sweden when this has been necessary.

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

We find the machines to be robust and reliable.

Thank you Simon Bell and Custom Covers for sharing and for being our customer.

This is a picture of a bag made by Lanz-Anliker AG. Customer stories

We asked our Swiss customer Lanz Anliker some questions.

Here is what Pascal Hirschi answered.

Which product do you manufacture?

We manufacture different bags.

Why did you decide to purchase a Forsstrom machine?

We were on a exhibition and we watched different machines. The Forsstrom machine convinced us, with her design and with the solid construction.
Another argument for Forsstrom was the German service partner Mark Pflaumer at Pfaumer Automation. We already knew him and had great experiences with him.

What is your experience with service and support after the delivery of your machine?

The Forsstrom service was absolutely satisfying.
And our service partner Mark Pflaumer is awesome as noticed above.

Thank you Pascal Hirshi and Lanz-Anliker AG for sharing and for being our customer.

We asked our Swedish customer Järven some questions.

Here is what Niclas Nordin answered.

Which product do you make?

We manufacture healthcare products (mattresses and pillows).

Why did you purchase machines from Forsstrom?

Because the machines are made in Sweden and I appreciate the good accessibility to service and support. We also have previous experience with Forsstrom machines and we have always been satisfied with them.

Is there anything that you are specifically satisfied with?

Our impression is that our newest machines give us an even higher quality in the welded seams.

In short, we are very satisfied with both your service and with our Forsstrom machines.

Thank you Niclas Nordin, Järven, for answering and for letting us be your HF machine supplier.

We asked our customer Union Industries in the UK to share their story with us.

Union Industries was founded by Paul and Isobel Schofield, Mr & Mrs S as they are affectionally known, in 1972. They identified early on the advantages of High Frequency welding and purchased the first Forsstrom machine in the early 1980’s. This machine and the others that followed it were the cornerstone of Union’s development of their class leading range of high speed doors.

The Forsstrom machines performed perfectly for more than 30 years. They were in daily use and needed nothing more than routine servicing.

In 2015 we opened a new manufacturing facility, we filled it with state of the art equipment and took that opportunity to replace our old, faithful and still fully working, High Frequency welders. The replacements were, of course, Forsstrom machines. We didn’t just blindly order though; we went to exhibitions spoke to other HF users and really explored the market for the best equipment.

Our investigations always led back to Forsstrom products, so we ordered three brand new machines with bed length between 10 and 20 meters.

As before our Forsstrom machines performed flawlessly and our new factory provided the platform for better productivity and to underpin our service first philosophy for our blue chip customer base.

Then the unthinkable happened, a faulty extractor fan in the workshop rest room started a fire that decimated the new facility and all of our HF welders. This was potentially a disaster, loosing our entire manufacturing base decimated our capability and put, for the first time ever, our delivery dates in jeopardy. At times like this the true nature of a company comes to the fore, our employees salvaged what they could from the fire ravaged building and the very next day they were assembling our products in the car park so that we wouldn’t miss a delivery date.

Its not just about our people, the HF welders were critical to our business on a day to day level. On the very next day, after the fire, Forsstrom’s UK distributor was on site assessing the machines and looking for ways to help us. The machines were totally destroyed but a loan machine was found and within a few days it was installed in a temporary facility and we were producing again.

In parallel with the loan machine Forsstrom rushed replacement machines through their already very busy factory and in record time we had a brand new machine up and working.

When looking at machines of any kind there will always be common features, sometimes slick sales people and maybe special offers. My advice to anyone, based on our experience, would be to look beyond the metal, who is the company behind the product, what’s their ethos and if you need them will they be by your side? This might be to resolve a breakdown, improve a process or, as in our case, help us recover from a disaster.

Forsstrom stood shoulder to shoulder with us in our hour of need. They are not a supplier to Union, they are part of our family.

Thank you Andrew Lane, Union Industries, for sharing this nice story.