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Frank John Fastnedge 1930 - 2001

Frank Fastnedge, the founder of Techspan, passed away on 17th February 2001, following a stroke. Frank was very well known and respected in the plastics industry, and his passing will be seen by many who knew him and worked with him, as the end of a special era. At the end of the second world war, Frank trained as an aerial photographer with the RAF. Later, he became interested in electronics, and soon after leaving the RAF, he joined Radyne Ltd, in Wokingham, England, where he trained as an electronics engineer. Radyne was a growing company at the time, designing and manufacturing RF induction heating and melting systems, and RF plastic welding equipment. Frank developed a strong interest in RF welding of plastics, and he helped design and develop many of the company’s standard plastic welders. He also helped to design many large turnkey plastic welding systems, frequently travelling throughout Europe to install and commission them. Then, in 1968, with his wife and three young sons, Frank decided to embark on a new adventure in a new land far from his home shores, in search of a special quality of life. Frank left his Technical Manager job at Radyne to emigrate to New Zealand, where he started work with Northern Electronics Ltd as company engineer. Here, he oversaw the local production of RF plastic welders under license to Radyne. In 1979 Frank founded his own company in New Zealand, an importer and distributor of industrial plant and machinery, which he called Techspan. Working from his basement at home, he poured his heart and soul into this endeavor, as he set about to acquire New Zealand agencies for some of Europe’s leading plastics machinery suppliers. Early products included Engel injection moulding machines from Austria, and hot air welding tools from Switzerland, which continue to be major products for the company. Today, all three of Frank’s sons are involved in the running of Techspan. The company has steadily grown, and today Techspan is a very successful and respected supplier of quality plastics machinery, ultrasonics, and industrial printing systems, with leading international brands. Frank was an incredibly practical, hands-on person, with a determination to succeed. He could do anything, make anything, repair anything. After Frank retired several years ago he quickly earned the reputation of “Mr Fixit” from his family and friends. Frank Fastnedge touched the lives of many many people in New Zealand and around the world, earning admiration and respect, both privately and in business. You have given us your unquestioning love. You have shown us the way. We are eternally in your debt. God be with you Frank. Rest at last. Frank is survived by his three sons, Dave, Jon, and Tim, and their wives and children.