The Modern Advantage: Engineered for Performance. Built for the Future.

Custom thermoforming machinery. Innovative engineering. Dependable support.

At Modern Machinery of Beaverton, we believe manufacturers deserve more than equipment. They deserve a partner who understands their production challenges, delivers solutions tailored to their operation, and stands behind their investment.

Since 1982, Modern Machinery has designed, manufactured, upgraded, and supported custom thermoforming equipment for manufacturers across North America and around the world.

From new machinery and innovative automation to equipment retrofits, replacement components, and ongoing technical support, we combine decades of engineering expertise with a commitment to quality, reliability, and long-term customer relationships.

Visualize. Customize. Modernize.

Built on Experience. Driven by Innovation.

Over four decades of manufacturing excellence.

Modern Machinery of Beaverton, Inc. was established in 1982 with a clear vision: to manufacture high-quality thermoforming machinery designed around the needs of each customer.

What began as a small operation has grown into a 48,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Beaverton, Michigan. Through continued investment in our people, engineering capabilities, equipment, and facilities, Modern has expanded its ability to design and manufacture increasingly complex machinery and custom manufacturing solutions.

Our growth reflects a commitment to doing things the right way. We believe quality equipment begins with thoughtful engineering, dependable components, skilled craftsmanship, and an understanding of how machinery performs in real production environments.

Today, Modern Machinery continues to build on that foundation, combining proven machine-building experience with modern technologies, advanced controls, automation, and innovative equipment solutions.

Our Growth over the Years

1982

Modern Machinery of Beaverton was established

1985

New facility built in Beaverton

1992

Expanded to 12,000 sqft

1998

Added 12,000 sqft high-bay facility

2014

Corey Pohlman & Vince Hicks became owners of Modern Machinery of Beaverton

2017

New 12,000 sqft crame-equipped facility

2023

Expanded to 48,000 total sqft

 

What Makes MODERN Different?

The advantages that set us apart.

Choosing a thermoforming equipment manufacturer is about more than purchasing machinery. It's about finding a team that understands your manufacturing goals and can provide the engineering, quality, and support needed to achieve them. At Modern Machinery, we approach every project with a commitment to delivering practical solutions that help manufacturers improve performance, maximize equipment investments, and remain competitive.

1. Direct Access to Experienced Professionals

When you contact MODERN, you connect directly with knowledgeable professionals who understand your equipment and your needs. Our streamlined approach eliminates unnecessary communication layers, helping you get answers, solve problems, and move projects forward efficiently.

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2. Custom-Engineered Equipment

We don't believe one machine fits every application. Our engineering team works closely with customers to design equipment around their materials, production requirements, forming processes, available floor space, and operational goals. From individual machines to integrated production systems, every solution is engineered with purpose.

3. Quality Construction. Long-Term Reliability.

Modern Machinery is built with a focus on structural integrity, quality components, precise engineering, and long-term performance. Our robust machine designs are intended to withstand demanding manufacturing environments while delivering dependable operation year after year.

4. Engineering Expertise That Solves Problems

Our team brings extensive mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering experience to every project. Whether developing a new machine, troubleshooting existing equipment, or improving an established process, we focus on practical, effective solutions that support your production objectives.

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5. Modernization Without Unnecessary Replacement

New equipment isn't always the best answer. Our upgrade kits, retrofits, and rebuilds can help manufacturers improve the capabilities of existing machinery, extend equipment life, and potentially reduce capital expenditures compared with full machine replacement.

6. Support That Goes Beyond Installation

Our commitment doesn't end when your machine leaves our facility. From technical assistance and replacement parts to preventative maintenance, operator training, and future upgrades, MODERN works to support your equipment throughout its operating life.

Complete Thermoforming Equipment Solutions. One Experienced Partner.

Modern Machinery provides comprehensive equipment solutions for manufacturers looking to expand production capabilities, improve efficiency, or maximize the performance of existing machinery. Our expertise extends from the initial design and manufacturing of custom equipment to installation support, upgrades, and ongoing machine service.

Custom Thermoforming Machinery

MODERN designs and manufactures shuttle, rotary, inline, twin-sheet, and custom thermoforming equipment engineered for specific production requirements. Our machines can incorporate vacuum forming, pressure forming, advanced heating systems, custom controls, and integrated automation.

Machine Upgrades & Modernization

Improve the performance of existing thermoforming machinery with modern controls, oven systems, adjustable clamp frames, electric platen conversions, rotate drive systems, and other engineered upgrades.

Machine Service & Preventative Maintenance

Protect your equipment investment with troubleshooting, inspections, scheduled preventative maintenance, technical support, operator training, and replacement components. We support Modern equipment and select machinery manufactured by other companies.

Custom Automation & Integrated Systems

From automated material handling and part removal to complete manufacturing process integration, MODERN develops automation solutions designed to improve workflow, reduce manual handling, and support consistent production.

TESTIMONIALS

“Modern Machinery consistently delivers outstanding support and valuable insights, not only for their own equipment but also for machines produced by other manufacturers. Their team is highly responsive, addressing issues promptly and making sure every task is completed with precision and care. This commitment to service excellence truly sets them apart in our industry.”

Dennis Fall
Federal Foam Technologies

“Modern Machinery has been a valuable partner to SAY Plastics as we continue to deliver high-quality heavy-gauge thermoformed components and custom plastic solutions to our customers. Their team provides responsive service, knowledgeable support, and dependable equipment solutions that help us maintain the precision, efficiency, and reliability our customers expect.”

Bobby May
SAY Plastics

“My experience with Modern Machinery has been nothing but positive, from design changes during a demo, all the way to years after installation has been complete. The amount of support and knowledge from Modern Machinery is nothing short of extraordinary, and a major component in our production lines staying operational and running properly.”

Nik Rudd
Cadillac Products Automotive Company

“Working with Modern Machinery has been an outstanding experience, thanks to their exceptional customer service and responsiveness. Their team consistently delivers innovative engineering solutions and reliable support that add real value to our operations.”

Brian Stewart
Corvac Composites

"I have worked with MODERN for the past few years and have come to appreciate their willingness to try new things and provide to their customers what they want. Their customer service and support is by far better than any big machine manufacturer that I have worked with in the past or present. I would highly recommend them to anyone I talk to for Vacuum Forming machines."

John Noruk
AME Manager, (Vac Forming and PU Technologies), International Automotive Components

“Robinson Industries has used Modern Machine to help them overcome many different hurdles over the years. More recently, after our Fire in 2022, MODERN was instrumental in getting two of the machines that mostly survived the fire back into production mode. We are constantly leaning on MODERN to improve all aspects of our machines. Their innovation to provide a quality service and help improve the life of our machines is tough to compete with. I would recommend them to work on any project.”

Jason Pahl
ORBIS Corporation (formerly Robinson Industries, Inc)

“We’ve developed a relationship with Modern Machinery seven years ago and have purchased several pieces of production equipment in that time frame. Modern Machinery has consistently met our expectations by building quality equipment and meeting our often, demanding timelines. The real strength of Modern Machinery is their customer service and follow up on any issues. They back what they sell and take a personal interest in solving any issue we’ve had. Modern Machinery has been a great company to work with and would recommend them for any custom production equipment.”

Randy Behm
Cadillac Products

"After purchasing several other Brand machines in the 1990's I inquired about a new large thermoformer from Modern Machine. I immediately was impressed with Tom Pohlman and his statement " we will build whatever you want". Along with Tom and his team we started to discuss and design a machine built to handle a sheet size of 10' x 18' with a 36" draw and rugged enough to take any miscues that happen from time to time with thermoform operators. This machine is tough, dependable and has performed nonstop since 2005 running some of the largest parts ever produced on the West coast. Throughout the past few years MODERN has identified areas of improvement from our discussions and has continued to upgrade the software side of the machine to improve the ease of programming and provide additional capabilities of the machine. We just received our third MODERN machine a 3 station pressure former that has been running since October 2012, four days after its arrival. Built to our custom requirements this is by far the best machine I have ever purchased. My congratulations to MODERN for their outstanding performance in building Ray Products the best thermoforming equipment available in our Industry!"

Dan Sweet
Ray Products

Join Our Team

At Modern Machinery of Beaverton, Inc., we are always on the lookout for qualified applicants interested in working in our fast-paced environment.