system 35 at each step of the operational cycle to confirm that the apparatus 1 is performing properly alternatively if the apparatus is not performing properly such as if blank 17 or mesh insert 25 falls off the apparatus the control system 35 will detect the problem based on the signals it receives from the sensors and shut the apparatus 1 down the control system 35 may further sound an alarm to notify a person of the problem the control system 35 also facilitates adaptation of the apparatus 1 to form a differently shaped mesh insert 25 because the programmed sequence of apparatus 1 movements can be modified to accommodate a different bending sequence that may be used to form a mesh blank 17 into a different shape at the forming station 21 initial and terminal sequences can also be programmed into the control system 35 to account for the absence of blanks 17 inserts 25 or molded products 33 at various phases of start up or shut down preferably the control system 35 will have a keypad and display panel or other user interface to allow a person to supervise or direct operation of the apparatus 1 the control system 35 may also allow manual control of the apparatus 1.