Innovators and manufacturers of
ELEVATOR DOOR PROTECTION SYSTEMS

About

Formula Systems is a world-leader in the design and manufacture of elevator door protection and speech systems. Established by engineers Peter Philipps and Peter Allen in 1974, parent company Airdri soon became a leader in automated sensor technology originally engineered for its automatic hand dryers.

The company recognised quickly the opportunity that its expertise in sensor technology could bring to the elevator industry and therefore established Formula Systems in 1983.

In 2006 Formula Systems North America opened in Chicago and is now firmly established as a leading supplier of safety edges to all major elevator manufacturers and consultants.

Product design is carried out in the company’s UK headquarters in Oxford. The company’s elevator products are manufactured by Formula Optics Technology in Yuyao, China – a joint venture between the two companies.

Formula Systems works in partnership with a global network of distributors. It has worked tirelessly to establish longstanding relationships with both distributors and customers and is continually seeking to expand its distributor network throughout Europe and Asia.

2019 has seen a significant investment in R&D ensuring that Formula Systems continues to stay ahead of the game. It strives to build upon its envied reputation for excellent customer service and unrivalled innovation in the design of code compliant products that are fully compatible with the latest elevator designs. The company continuously monitors its approach to new product design and the latest quality procedures. It’s proud of its outstanding safety record respected throughout the elevator industry.

The company holds full ISO 9001/2 accreditation in addition to many international approvals including UL, CSA, VDE and offers product warranties ranging from 3 to 5 years. Formula Systems’ ongoing investment in design development guarantees its customers high quality and innovative elevator products which are ideally suited for fitting as original equipment and for refurbishment projects.

Our People

Bruce Philipps

Bruce Philipps

President

Bruce read Politics and Philosophy at Southampton University and has since worked across both private and public sector organisations in senior roles focussing on Commercial, Communications and General Management. In 2014, Bruce succeeded his father, Peter Philipps, who founded Airdri in 1974 with fellow engineer, Peter Allen. Since joining Airdri, Bruce’s focus has been on developing and implementing The Airdri Group’s new business and production strategies, and driving the commercial growth of the business. He frequently spends time at Airdri’s headquarters in Oxford as well as travelling between its operations in the USA and China. Bruce lives in Hampshire where he enjoys long walks with his wife, two daughters and the family dog.

Tony Wall

Tony Wall

Chief Executive Officer

Tony began his career as an Engineering Officer with the Royal Airforce. Since leaving the RAF in 1997 he has held leadership positions across a number of technology businesses helping them to develop and improve their business practices and generate significant commercial growth. As CEO, Tony holds overall day-to-day responsibility for R&D, Production, Supply Chain, Quality, Operations, Commercial, Marketing and Corporate Services across The Airdri Group which includes operations in the UK, China and the USA. Tony lives with his wife in Oxfordshire where he likes to entertain and share family life with his two grown-up daughters.

He enjoys watching sport and participating in an occasional round of golf.

Andrew Hunter

Andrew Hunter

Group Finance Director

Andrew graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Economics with Accountancy and so brings with him a wealth of financial management experience primarily gained in the FMCG sector.

He joined the Airdri Group in 2015 to take up the position of Group Finance Director and is responsible for all finance matters across the Airdri Group including reporting, audit, foreign exchange management, project and product costing. Andrew is also responsible for our governance arrangements including company registration, insurance and patent registration.

When he’s not at work Andrew enjoys walking and playing golf.

Steve Whittall

Steve Whittall

Group Director of Operations

Since graduating from Wednesbury College in 1983 with an HNC in Materials Science, Steve has held many senior management roles in the Aerospace, Oil and Gas, Defence and Manufacturing sectors.

Steve joined Airdri as Group Director of Quality in 2014 with an important remit to deliver its Quality Objectives across The Airdri Group, as well as ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, external standards (ISO 9001) and internal best practice. Steve is also the relationship lead with some of The Airdri Group’s major global customers, ensuring that the company delivers on its commitment to service excellence.

Steve’s recreational activities include playing the drums with a local band at gigs in and around Oxford and Wiltshire .

Simon Green

Simon Green

Head of Value Engineering, Sourcing and Quality

Concentrating on a career in mechanical engineering after leaving school, Simon has gained extensive experience in the manufacturing sector applying his knowledge in materials sourcing to roles within a number of technology and manufacturing companies including Total Carbide, Molins and Ipro.

This new appointment will ensure that Airdri delivers a programme of continuous improvement across every area of the business with Simon sharing his time between the UK and China overseeing R & D, production process, component sourcing, supply chain and quality.

Louis Yao

Louis Yao

General Manager, Guangzhou

Louis studied mechanical and electrical engineering at Jiangxi University of Science and Technology gaining a bachelor’s degree in 2000. He later studied at Hunan University graduating in 2011 with an Masters degree in Business Administration. Beginning his career with positions in both Engineering and Quality, Louis has worked across a range of industries and companies, including Otis Elevators, BDT and the Swatch Group. In 2015 he moved into Operational and General Management, joining the Airdri Group as General Manager of Airdri Guangzhou. Louis has two children and enjoys family life. His pastimes include reading and watching movies.

Cornelius Walls

Cornelius Walls

Vice President of Global Elevator Sales

Beginning his career in the warehouse at Adams Elevators in 1996, Cornelius is now known throughout the elevator industry across North America. He has worked with Formula Systems in Chicago since Formula Systems North America opened in 2003 and has played a vital part in its successful growth. During his time with FSNA Cornelius has gained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Robert Morris University. Corn is a strong believer in the importance of supporting industry related organizations and charitable institutions. He is currently a Director of both the National Association of Elevator Contractors and the Elevator and Escalator Safety Foundation. He is also a past President for the Chicago Elevator Association and a member of the A17/B44 Elevator Door Protection Committee.

Ian Martyn

Ian Martyn

Sales and Marketing Manager Europe

Ian joined Formula Systems in July 2019 as Sales and Marketing Manager with a remit to further develop Formula Systems’ distributor network throughout Europe. With an HNC in electrical engineering, Ian has forged a 20 year career in the elevator industry working with companies such as OTIS, Orona, Thyssenkrupp, Accord Lifts, Kone Plc and Dewhurst. Ian’s responsibilities have encompassed all aspects of sales, contract, supplier and project management, resource planning, working with field repair and service managers and on-site survey provision across an international client base managing both customer and supplier relationships in the far and middle East, US and Canada.