Why Choose Us
Learn what sets Formost Fuji apart through innovation, reliability, and customer-focused solutions.
Why Choose Formost Fuji
Partnering with Formost Fuji means choosing proven expertise, innovative engineering, and long-term reliability.
Choosing Formost Fuji means partnering with a team that combines decades of experience with a passion for innovation. For over 60 years, we’ve delivered packaging solutions that set industry standards for quality and reliability. Backed by more than 100 skilled professionals, we design and build every machine with precision craftsmanship and advanced technology. Our commitment goes beyond equipment—we provide personalized service and expertise to keep your packaging line running efficiently and profitably.
Our History
Founded on March 17, 1964, Formost was born from Alvin Formo’s vision to meet the growing demand for bagged bread with smarter, more reliable packaging. That same year, he introduced the first Formost poly-bagging machine—sold to Continental Baking Co. in Spokane, Washington—marking the company’s first step forward.
1960s – Formost Meets Fuji: A Partnership Takes Shape
In the 1960s, Alvin Formo built strong ties with Japan’s booming baking industry and discovered Fuji Machinery’s leadership in packaging technology. Recognizing Fuji’s advanced designs, Formo laid the foundation for a partnership that would shape the future of packaging. This early connection exposed Formost to advanced Japanese packaging engineering philosophies that would influence machine design for decades to come.
1970s - From Ballard to Woodinville: Expanding Horizons
The early 1970s brought rapid growth for Formost Packaging Machines. After moving to a temporary Seattle facility to keep up with demand, the company completed a 25,000 sq. ft. plant in Woodinville in 1973—where operations thrived for decades. Behind the scenes, collaboration with Fuji Machinery helped support Formost’s expanding technical expertise as demand and machine complexity increased.
1980s /1990s - Decades of Growth and Innovation
From the 1980s through the 1990s, Formost experienced rapid growth — expanding its Woodinville facility to 50,000 sq. ft. and embracing advanced technology. Longstanding collaboration with Fuji Machinery supported this evolution, aligning Formost’s designs with proven global packaging technologies and performance standards. Fabrication moved to CNC machining, engineering shifted from drafting tables to 3D CAD, and exports surged across Latin America. Our commitment to customer satisfaction drove this progress, and in 1999, Dennis Gunnell became Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
2000s - A New Millennium of Leadership and Growth
The new millennium brought leadership changes as Norm Formo became President, joined by Dennis Gunnell and Dan Semanskee in guiding strategy and growth. Early 2000s efforts focused on new machine development and expanding into industries like medical and pharmaceutical. In 2007, Fuji Machinery became a shareholder, and by 2008, the company officially became Formost Fuji Corporation — strengthening a decades-long partnership. Despite the Great Recession, we retained all employees, reaffirming our commitment to people and positioning for strong growth ahead. Fuji’s ownership investment further strengthened engineering collaboration, product development, and global market reach.
2010s – Ownership Change, Values Unchanged
The 2010s marked a decade of transformation for Formost Fuji. In 2018, Fuji Machinery acquired full ownership, strengthening a partnership built on shared values. Fuji’s long-term commitment reinforced stability, continuous improvement, and a people-first approach during a period of leadership transition. Norm Formo retired after decades of leadership, and in 2019, Dennis Gunnell became President, supported by a strong board committed to the company’s founding principle: take care of customers and employees.
2020s - Resilience and Renewal
The challenges of COVID‑19 defined the start of the 2020s, and Formost Fuji responded with resilience, maintaining production while placing employee safety at the forefront. Looking ahead, the company invested in its long‑term vision, securing a 14‑acre site in Everett, Washington, in 2023 and developing it into a modern headquarters. With expanded space, advanced design capabilities, and a focus on continuous improvement, Formost Fuji moves forward stronger, prepared for the decades to come.
Today, as part of the Fuji Machinery family, Formost Fuji benefits from the depth of expertise, technical knowledge, and global experience that comes from a respected leader in packaging innovation. This relationship strengthens our engineering capabilities, expands our perspective, and enhances our ability to deliver proven, high‑performance solutions. By combining Formost’s customer‑focused legacy with Fuji’s world‑class packaging expertise, we are better equipped than ever to serve our customers—today and into the future.