ESSEX-based aluminium cladding fabricator Guilform has taken delivery of the world's largest automatic panel folding machine, a P4 Salvagnini unit weighing 34 tonnes.

ESSEX-based aluminium cladding fabricator Guilform has taken delivery of the world's largest automatic panel folding machine, a P4 Salvagnini unit weighing 34 tonnes.

The machine, measuring 26 metres by 10 metres and capable of folding panels 3.8 metres square in only 30 seconds, is to be used for a variety of projects including the new Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford and the London 2012 Olympic Stadium.

Guilform chairman Tony Irwin said: “We are currently very busy and our response to the credit crunch is to invest in the business to ensure our productivity is unrivalled and our deliveries are efficient.”

The company was formed some 30 years ago and was purchased in 2006 by Colchester-based NES which transferred operations to the Severalls Industrial Estate. In manufactures architectural rainscreen cladding, curtain walling and window systems for clients internationally.