A former assembly (10) including a base (11) to which there is attached a frame (12) that supports a sleeve (13). The sleeve (13) encloses a generally upwardly extending passage (14) to which product is delivered in batches from a weighing machine. Fixed to the internal surface (20) of the former shoulder (15) are heaters (24) that heat the external surface (16) over which the film bag material passes to be heated thereby.