Once again the Processing and Packaging Machinery Association is assembling many of the most forward-thinking firms and faces in UK manufacturing for knowledge share and a look at the big issues. Find out who’s there...
With the UK manufacturing industry seeing the fastest growth in production since January 1995, there has never been a more fitting time for industry leaders to come together and share their insights at the UK’s processing and packaging machinery show taking place from 26-28 September at the NEC, Birmingham.
The new and improved Learning Hub at PPMA Show 2017 will provide the platform for this expert knowledge- share, covering such hot topics as IIoT-enabled adaptive packaging, the potential of manufacturing waste, and the role of robotics and automation in the factory of the future.
Setting the agenda
This year’s Learning Hub line-up will see Martin Glenn, CEO of the Football Association, as keynote speaker on the first day of the show.
The marketing veteran, whose illustrious career includes roles within United Biscuits, Walkers and Birds Eye, will share how his extensive experience in the food manufacturing industry has informed his new role as head of the FA.
Glenn will be joined by another United Biscuits alumni – popular TED speaker and chartered engineer, Peter Anderton, who will take to the stage for two sessions.
With more than 10,000 sq m of floor space already booked, the 2017 event is the biggest PPMA Show of the past 12 years
The first will provide attendees with helpful insights into how to build a successful team. This will be followed by a second session during which Anderton will share his two-rule approach to great leadership and reveal what packaging chocolate Hobnob biscuits has to do with successful management.
Also on the agenda is Forbes McDougall, head of circular economy for Veolia UK and Ireland, who will shine a spotlight on packaging recycling faux pas, from laminates and coffee cups to plastic bottles and food trays.
Jeremy Hadall, chief technologist for robotics and automation at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, will explore the benefits of automation and robotics in the food and drink industry in addition to addressing the myth that robots are a risk to human employees.
To meet the rapid rise in UK manufacturing output, businesses are on the biggest hiring spree of the past three years. In response, the expanded PPMA Show 2017 Learning Hub will also feature invaluable advice on team- building and leadership.
Innovation and interactivity
With more than 10,000 sq m of floor space already booked, the 2017 event is the biggest PPMA Show of the past 12 years. Joining this year’s line-up, a range of exhibitors such as Schubert UK, Omron, ABB, Ilapak and Minebea Intec will showcase the latest innovations and product launches.
Making its debut at the 2017 show, Omron’s Quattro Delta robot will be available on stand B34, demonstrating why it’s designed to be the world’s fastest and first four-arm Delta robot with a pick rate of 300 parts per minute.
The new Quattro Delta robot can also be seen on the Brillopak stand (C24), forming part of the company’s new fresh produce punnet loading line, Meteor.
The company, which has chosen PPMA 2017 as the setting for the UK premiere, will demonstrate how the new line can pick and place punnets into retail crates at speeds of up to 150 ppm.
Demonstrating a proven concept in vertical conveying, Apollo VTS will reveal how manufacturers can optimise the supply chain with the latest spiral solutions on stand H32.
Its Single Lane Spiral Conveyor is designed to save valuable floor space by transporting products vertically in a continuous flow. With speeds of up to 60m/minute and loads up to 50 kg/m, itfacilitates a high continuous throughput and can be modified in the field to accommodate industry needs and requirements.
A second exhibitor highlighting the importance of space-saving solutions is Schubert UK which will present its compact TLM technology.
Once again, the PPMA Show 2017 will bring all corners of the industry together under one roof, offering visitors a 360-degree view
Andrew Mint, CEO of PPMA Group
The machine, engineered for Van Wijngaarden, the Dutch delicacy manufacturer, is designed for manufacturers to integrate a multitude of packaging tasks for a variety of products and formats.
It consists of three TLM sub-machines that combine flexibility, performance and efficiency. Visitors will see first-hand how the machine is capable of erecting, filing and closing cartons – linked by its Transmodul transport robot.
Van Wijngaarden will join the team on stand E90 to demonstrate how it is using the technology to package mayonnaise in different container formats.
The PPMA Show 2017 will also feature all-new entertainment and interactive features, including a computer- controlled goalkeeper, known as RoboKeeper.
Described as the World’s Best Goalie, the RoboKeeper has already taken on the likes of footballers Lionel Messi and Neymar, and will challenge visitors and exhibitors to try and score a goal live at the show.
Joining the RoboKeeper after his highly-acclaimed debut at the PPMA Total Show 2016, Titan the Robot will join the crowds at the NEC in September to entertain and excite visitors and exhibitors alike.
Appearing on the PPMA Group of Associations stand (B110/C110) on the second day of the show, Titan will entertain visitors with his “unique blend of comedy, street theatre and music”.
Recruitment, development and skills
In addition to seeing the latest machinery in action, hearing from industry experts, and being entertained by the PPMA Show’s robotic headliners, visitors can also learn more about the PPMA’s efforts to sustain and develop the industry’s workforce.
In light of the biggest hiring spree of the past three years in response to the rapid rise in UK manufacturing output, a special focus on recruitment, development and skills will be led by PPMA BEST, the PPMA Group’s charitable initiative.
The charity, which was established in 2014, encourages young people to enter and develop a career in engineering within the processing, packaging, robotics, automation and industrial vision supply industries through education, training and support. Its aim is to address the on-going skills shortage, helping to tackle short and long-term recruitment needs.
Visitors can discover more on stand B01, or head to the Learning Hub on the Thursday afternoon to hear how the charity is working to expand the opportunities for budding manufacturing professionals.
By expanding the focus of the new Learning Hub, the PPMA hopes to inspire visitors by providing a fresh perspective on relevant trends and issues. This was created in 2014 to help tackle the skills shortage affecting the processing and packaging industry. It offers various programmes to a variety of age groups to encourage a career in engineering, ranging from financial grants to match-funded bursaries.
Andrew Mint, CEO of PPMA Group, said: “Once again, the PPMA Show 2017 will bring all corners of the industry together under one roof, offering visitors a 360-degree view. Alongside enabling exhibitors to showcase their latest technologies to an audience of thousands plus benefit from unparalleled networking opportunities, the PPMA Show provides a platform for crucial discussions on issues that affect the processing and packaging machinery industry.
“I for one am greatly looking forward to hearing from some of the industry’s thought leaders as part of our new and improved Learning Hub.”
From educating and informing to entertaining, the PPMA Show 2017 will be looking to build on its reputation as a best-in-class UK exhibition.
Each year the PPMA Show brings together all corners of the industry under one roof to share expertise, insights and discuss the future of both UK and global manufacturing industries.
From educating and informing to entertaining, the PPMA Show 2017 will be looking to build on its reputation as a best-in-class UK exhibition
PPMA is encouraging manufacturing professionals to once again come together to discuss current issues facing the industry, as well as the trends that will impact the processing, packaging and manufacturing sectors over the next 12 months and beyond.
From the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 to how industrial vision technology and robots are changing modern manufacturing processes, exhibitors will reveal the ways in which they are embracing innovation and reaping the benefits.
Over the past 30 years, the show has brought together buyers and suppliers. In 2016, the PPMA Total Show saw more than 1,000 leading packaging and processing machinery manufacturers represented at the NEC across three days, with more than 7,500 visitors.
It is an environment in which companies can showcase new technologies, build new relationships and, importantly, confirm a book full of new orders.
- For more information on the PPMA Show 2017 or to register for your free pass, visit www.ppmashow.co.uk
