Vacuum forming is a widely used plastic manufacturing process for producing custom components from thermoplastic sheet. It sits behind a huge range of everyday and industrial products, from machine housings and point-of-sale displays to automotive trim and equipment enclosures. It is also one of our contract services at Francis Ward, where we vacuum form custom components from our ISO 9001 certified facility in Bradford. If you are researching how to manufacture a moulded plastic part, this guide explains how vacuum forming works, what it does well, and where it is most useful. What is...

Rotational moulding, often shortened to rotomoulding, is a manufacturing process used to produce hollow, seamless plastic parts. It is the process behind everything from water tanks and chemical containers to playground equipment and road barriers. It is also our core process at Francis Ward, where we have manufactured rotomoulded products in the UK since 1986. If you are researching how to manufacture a hollow plastic product, this guide explains how rotational moulding works, what it does well, and the kinds of parts it suits. What is rotational moulding? Rotational moulding (or...

If your business manufactures, distributes, stores, or disposes of hazardous substances, the packaging you use is not optional. It is a legal requirement. UN approved containers are the internationally recognised standard for the safe containment and transport of dangerous goods, and using the wrong packaging can result in unlimited fines, criminal prosecution, and catastrophic environmental liability. At Francis Ward, we are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of UN approved industrial packaging, including our Warboy and Warlord drum ranges and our APL, HGM, and HGS intermediate bulk...

We’re proud to share that Francis Ward has achieved Alcumus SafeSupplier accreditation, a nationally recognised standard that reflects excellence in health & safety, sustainability, ethical practices, and risk management. Francis Ward is a UK-based manufacturer of high-quality rotationally moulded containers and storage solutions, supplying reliable, durable products to customers across a wide range of regulated industries. This accreditation follows a comprehensive independent assessment of our operations, including environmental management, quality control, financial...

Francis Ward continues to support businesses offloading chemicals with its industry-leading Pressure Bin range. Also known by customers as PCMs, pump overs, pressure vessels, or PTOs, these reusable metallic pressure-discharge IBCs are designed to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability during chemical delivery and offloading operations. As chemical distributors and industrial suppliers look to reduce offload times while maintaining compliance, Francis Ward Pressure Bins provide a proven solution for controlled, pressurised chemical discharge across a...

At Francis Ward Ltd., our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re pleased to introduce two key members of our commercial team who are supporting customers across the UK with expert advice, industry knowledge, and a strong focus on safety and compliance. Jess Lea – Business Development Lead, North of England & Export Jess Lea leads Business Development for the North of England and Export markets at Francis Ward. With a strong background in technical sales and international account management, Jess brings extensive experience from safety-critical and highly regulated...

Francis Ward Ltd. was pleased to exhibit at the PPMA Show at the NEC Birmingham, one of the UK’s leading exhibitions for the processing, packaging, and automation sectors, with a strong focus on solutions for the food manufacturing industry. The PPMA Show provided an ideal platform to engage with food and beverage manufacturers looking to improve safety, hygiene, and efficiency in the handling of ingredients and raw materials. Throughout the event, the Francis Ward team welcomed visitors to the stand to discuss the challenges associated with storing, handling, and discharging dried...