A search for an 18-year collaboration
In 2007, Formpak was at a turning point. As a specialised software provider in the chemical formulation industry, their desktop application had served them well for years. But with new regulatory pressures emerging and a growing number of international clients, it became clear the software needed a new life — one that could scale, adapt, and evolve with the business.
At the helm of this challenge was Tim, who had recently taken over the leadership of Formpak from his father. Tim was not looking for a vendor to deliver a quick rewrite of the system; he was searching for a true partner — one that could understand the weight of his company's legacy and help carry it forward with care and precision.
That search led him to us. Rather than relying solely on calls and emails, Tim decided to fly halfway around the world to meet the team in person. In Beijing, he sat down with the developers, shared his vision, walked them through the system, and asked the most important question:
Can we build something together that will last?
Deep integration from day one
From the start, both sides knew this would not be a one-off project. Tim's vision for Formpak was not just about modernising code — it was about future-proofing the business. That meant designing software architecture that could evolve alongside the ever-changing global regulatory landscape, and building a development rhythm that could sustain progress year after year.
We assembled a small, focused team led by Bin Hu, a senior engineer who would become a cornerstone of the partnership. Rather than diving straight into coding, Bin and the team spent weeks sitting with Tim, mapping out the business logic, listening closely to user workflows, and translating real-world needs into technical solutions. The goal was not speed. It was alignment.
That deliberate start set the tone for everything that followed. Communication was constant and transparent. Feedback loops were tight. And every development decision was guided by a simple principle: make things easier — for Tim's team, for their clients, and for the future.
As the software grew in complexity, the team structure evolved too, but the commitment to consistency never wavered. Bin remained at the helm, and many original team members stayed on, developing a deep familiarity with Formpak's business and culture. What began as a cautious trial had quietly matured into a deeply rooted partnership — one built to last.
Outcomes over the 18 years
Across 18 years of collaboration, the team steadily modernised Formpak's entire platform while keeping the business running smoothly. Key milestones included migrating from Windows to Linux and containerising with Docker, transitioning the database from DB2 to MSSQL and PostgreSQL, upgrading Java from 1.5 to 17 through multiple generations of the stack, and introducing AI-assisted development to improve efficiency and maintainability.
Rather than forcing large, disruptive rewrites, each evolution was phased, tested, and rolled out carefully to support long-term product continuity.
Over time, the development team grew and gradually settled into a core group of seven engineers, each with 3 to 18 years on the project. This continuity created something rare: technical expertise and business insight growing together. Today, the team understands Formpak's workflows, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations deeply enough to assist with client demonstrations and collaborate directly with teams across Europe.
This shared context reduces onboarding time, prevents miscommunication, and preserves product knowledge across product generations.
Communication that builds trust
Communication practices evolved into a natural rhythm of clarity and transparency. Developers proactively raise issues as soon as they arise, preventing surprises. Bin and the team stay in daily communication with Tim and colleagues across departments. Regular online sessions ensure alignment, planning, and shared decision-making. Tim has full access to the codebase and testing environment, allowing him to monitor progress anytime.
This openness created a working relationship where both sides move confidently — not by control, but by trust.
In sync with the business
Today, Formpak is a leading software provider in the global fragrance and flavour industry, with its client base growing from just a handful to more than 100 companies worldwide. After 18 years of collaboration, the team is no longer just a development partner — they are embedded in Formpak's strategic operations. Their contribution extends far beyond writing code: a deep understanding of the industry's workflows, regulations, and market pressures; architectural guidance and product planning support during key decision points; active participation in shaping new capabilities and exploring opportunities for innovation.
What began as a modernisation project has grown into a long-term partnership — one where both teams work side by side to support the business and its future.
Our team has been diligent in understanding the requirements, which are both many and complex. They are involved in the design of the application as well as its development, and along the way have proposed some innovative solutions to difficult problems. Their communications and English language skills are excellent. They have consistently shown unwavering commitment to getting a great job done. — Tim, Managing Director, Formpak
Most outsourcing relationships end. The ones that last do so because the work compounds — every year the team understands the business more deeply, every architectural decision builds on the last. Eighteen years in, the team is not just writing Formpak's code. They are part of how Formpak thinks.