A machine to form the heads of coils made of relatively large rectangular wire so that it fits within the slots of the stator of an electric machine is described herein. The machine receives a coil having unformed first and second heads separated by first and second legs and apply controlled deformation thereto to yield properly shaped heads. The machine comprises first and second leg support mechanisms for gripping the first and second legs and four head forming elements for contacting portions of the heads of the wire coil while the first and second legs are gripped by the leg support. The head forming elements are mounted to the first and second leg support mechanisms for relative movement therebetween. Actuators, coupled to a controller so as to be controlled therefrom are provided for moving the head forming elements and the first and second heads between spaced apart relationships and forming relationships.