A former whose wing component incorporates periodic openings, a tube component (that may, or may not, incorporate periodic openings) and a base component (that is shaped to conform substantially to the former's tube geometry) is described. Such a former, may be significantly less heavy than prior art formers (for a given size package) while simultaneously providing improved performance and durability. A former assembly that includes the former, a cross-bar, a top-plate and spacers is also described. Each of the cross-bar, top-plate and spacers may use aluminum and/or incorporate hollowed pockets to further reduce the assemblies weight.