PPMA celebrates 30th anniversary
Published: 25 September, 2018
The PPMA Show returned to celebrate its 30th anniversary at the NEC Birmingham between the 25-27th September 2018. PWE reports.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the PPMA Show returned to the NEC Birmingham from 25-27 September 2018 to showcase the latest innovations in smart manufacturing, processing technology and packaging machinery, aimed to increase production line efficiencies and enhance business performance and profitability. New to the show this year was the Enterprise Zone, which offered visitors a focal point for learning, networking, discovery and live debate.
Presenting the biggest and most comprehensive line-up of production technologies and solutions for the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, toiletries and FMCG sectors, visitors to the show saw 350 exhibitors representing 1500 brands, all under one roof. Leading players included Schneider Electric, Ishida Europe, Bosch, ABB and Omron Electronics UK, creating an unrivalled platform to connect, engage and network with suppliers and industry peers.
Commenting prior to the show, Dr. Andrew Mint, chief executive officer, PPMA Group of Associations said: “Our 30th anniversary show comes at a time when UK manufacturing is enjoying its longest period of expansion since 1968 and these positive signs will undoubtedly boost confidence throughout our sector. Against this future optimism, the PPMA Show 2018 looks set to be one of the biggest and best to date, where visitors can benefit from an unsurpassed skill set of experience, expertise and industry knowledge and witness the latest processing and packaging technologies in real-time demonstrations.”
The Enterprise Zone
The Enterprise Zone included a series of educational features including live workshops, presentations, interactive discussions, question and answer sessions and panel debate covering key topical issues and industry trends. The keynote address was delivered by Lord Mark Price, Minister of State for Trade and Investment who brought his years of experience as Managing Director of Waitrose and Deputy Chairman of The John Lewis Partnership to the podium.
The morning of day two focused on ‘The Future of Food Manufacturing’ hosted by Craig Leadley of scientific, technical and advisory services organisation Campden BRI. With presentations from the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NFCM), the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), and Campden BRI, the session covered robotics and automation, augmented reality and the virtual factory, as well as preservation technologies, food safety management and culture, and concluded with an interactive discussion.
There was a full speaker programme running throughout the show, delivered by a line-up of high profile and respected industry experts. Presentations and case studies offered real examples of manufacturing best practice and excellence in processing and packaging production aimed to motivate and inspire visitors to increase efficiencies, explore new opportunities and take their businesses forward.
Networking was also a highlight of the Enterprise Zone, with dedicated meeting areas and organised activities to facilitate engagement and connection with industry peers.
The Enterprise Zone also featured a helpdesk and a free advice service for small start-up ventures and entrepreneurs as part of the PPMA’s new Start-up Ambassador Programme. Visitors were matched and introduced to specialist knowledge experts according to specific requirements, who were available during the show to offer advice, guidance and assistance. Also present in the zone was the British Plastics Federation (BPF) to discuss its latest developments in materials and handling technology.
PPMA Group Industry Awards 2018
The PPMA Group Industry Awards ceremony and gala dinner took place on the evening of the 25th September and again celebrated industry excellence, recognising innovation and smart manufacturing.
Dr. Mint continued, “Having consulted with exhibitors and show visitors, we know that there is still a tremendous appetite to seek out new innovations, technologies and solutions and to discover the unexpected. We therefore look forward to opening the doors of the PPMA Show 2018 and celebrate its milestone anniversary with some of the biggest and brightest manufacturing leaders.”
For further information please visit: https://www.ppmashow.co.uk
