When asked about his role models, Jim Robinson, Group CEO of MFE Formwork Technology, immediately credited his mother. She instilled in him the values of perseverance, continuous learning, and striving for excellence. Her words, “Always aim for the moon, and even if you miss, you will end up among the stars,” remain a guiding principle in his journey.
Robinson’s career began with a Higher National Certificate in Construction, which he pursued at a night college. His dedication led him to become a lecturer at the same institution before serving as Mayor of his hometown in Northern Ireland for 12 years. In 1996, he moved to Malaysia as Commercial Manager for MFE Formwork Technology and, by 2010, assumed the role of CEO, a position he has held for over a decade.
MFE Formwork Technology: A Pioneer in the Industry
MFE Formwork Technology is a trailblazer in Asia’s construction industry, specializing in aluminium formwork systems. As the first manufacturer in Asia, MFE has introduced cutting-edge technologies, such as Friction Stir Welding, into its manufacturing processes.
The company’s formwork system enables rapid construction, with high-rise buildings completed at a pace of one floor every four days and landed properties finished in a single day. Since its establishment in Malaysia in 1991, MFE has expanded into global markets, including India, Latin America, the USA, Europe, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, the MENA region, and Africa.
In 2015, the company relocated to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Port Klang. By 2018, it was producing over 1,500,000m² of formwork annually—an astounding 122-fold increase from its initial 12,350m² output in its first year of business.
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
Despite its remarkable growth, MFE faced one of its biggest challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. With lockdowns and project delays worldwide, Robinson had to balance employee safety with business survival.
To sustain the company, he introduced a temporary wage reduction program, with salary cuts ranging from 5% to 35%, depending on employee levels. The decision, implemented in April 2020, was met with overwhelming support from staff, who recognized the long-term benefits. By September 2020, MFE was able to reinstate full salaries, demonstrating the effectiveness of Robinson’s leadership in crisis management.
The Mark of Leadership
Robinson’s leadership philosophy is built on honesty, trust, and loyalty. He believes that fostering strong relationships with employees, stakeholders, and clients is crucial to long-term success.
His values have shaped MFE’s corporate culture, resulting in exceptionally low staff turnover and unwavering customer loyalty. Even after more than 30 years, the company continues to serve its first-ever clients, a testament to the trust and integrity that Robinson has instilled in MFE Formwork Technology.
