Opportunities for UK manufacturing prosperity

This year, the NEC will welcome over 320 exhibitors from the processing and packaging machinery industry as they gather to present and showcase a wide range of new products and innovative processes to help UK manufacturers improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

Attendees at the NEC in September will be able to view a number of exclusive machinery demonstrations. For example, leading packaging machinery manufacturer, Kliklok International, will be launching its new Certiwrap ELITE wraparound cartoning system. Capable of improving functionality, repeatability and flexibility on the production line thanks to new modular infeeds which help manufacturers adapt to increasingly fast-paced market requirements, the ELITE can be tailored to different pack styles, sizes and formats. 

Award-winning end-of-line automation specialist, Endoline Machinery, will address the need for packing speed and flexibility with the launch of its latest SMART machines – including the UK debut of the 744 Fully Automatic Random Case Sealer, believed to be the fastest of its type in the world.

Automation expert, Pacepacker Services, will be showcasing the widest range of pick and place solutions on the marke. Six different pick and place systems will demonstrate the innovative ways to handle a variety of unpackaged and packaged FMCG goods. As well as Pacepacker’s own equipment, robot technology from FANUC and Festo will also be on show.

High profile speakers

Several high-profile seminar speakers have already been announced, including former cabinet minister, politician and journalist Michael Portillo who will provide this year’s opening address and discuss the resurgence of British manufacturing and its role in rebalancing the economy.

Following his address Portillo will take to the show’s floor to speak with exhibitors and further discuss the points covered in his address.
 
Also announced for the opening day of the exhibition, Christine Tacon, the Government’s first appointed supermarket ombudsman is set to steal the spotlight with a combative talk on the UK’s leading supermarkets. The seminar session, which begins at 11am, will not only shine a light on Christine’s work with the UK’s largest supermarkets but demonstrate her aim to work with associations like the PPMA to help encourage feedback from suppliers, whether it’s personal, anonymous or through a trade association.

The PPMA Show 2014 will also take the opportunity to once again recognise the best and brightest up-and-coming talent in the industry with the return of the Ones to Watch competition.

The Ones to Watch is a search for the industry’s brightest young processing and packaging professional, judged on entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to the industry.