The 1980s saw the introduction of new manufacturing techniques and Formway began developing its expertise in design and development.
Recognition for Formway’s design focus came in 1989 when its first seating range, the ZAF chair, won the Prince Phillip Award for excellence in product design. This also resulted in an order for two chairs from Prince Phillip himself.
This injection of design in the early 1980s changed the focus of the company radically. This focus, along with a unique spirit of innovation, enthusiasm and vision, resulted in international recognition for the company's products.
An Australian base was set up in 1990, the same year Formway gained a large sole supplier contract with the Australian Federal Government.
Flexibility, mobility, effective communication and informality had become increasingly important in organisations, as had cost saving and effective use of space. With this in mind, Formway developed the FREE system in 1997 and launched it onto the Australasian market in 1998.
In 1999 the FREE system received several awards at the International Trade Show NeoCon in Chicago. This led to a partnership with US firm Bretford, which currently has manufacturing rights for FREE throughout North America.
In 2001 Formway expanded its manufacturing facility in Sydney to include work systems manufacture and established an Australian head office to manage the growing Australian operation.
The company began diversifying into a wider range of solutions. Currently their offering includes ergonomic desk systems, high performance task seating, tables and seating for meeting and reception areas, which address the broad needs of the workplace.
In 2002 Formway launched the internationally acclaimed LIFE chair, the culmination of over 20 years of seating design and taking four years to create and tool. LIFE also received significant recognition at NeoCon.
Formway continues to build significant international design licensing partnerships, but the company’s manufacturing focus remains in New Zealand and Australia.
The 200 staff in both countries includes a large design team – more than 20 people working in teams – along with outside consultants. Formway works collaboratively with several other organisations, such as the partnership with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology’s Centre for Design.