Latest perspective on industry trends

With the UK manufacturing industry seeing the fastest growth in production since January, processing and packaging machinery show, PPMA 2017, offers industry leaders the opportunity to come together and share insights

Learning hub

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 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.

Also on the agenda is Forbes McDougall, head of circular economy for Veolia UK & Ireland, who will shine a spotlight on packaging recycling faux pas from laminates, coffee cups, plastic bottles and food trays, and Jeremy Hadall, chief technologist – robotics & automation of The Manufacturing Technology Centre, who will explore the benefits of automation and robotics in the food and drink industry and address 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 advice on team-building and leadership from such influential figures as TED speaker and chartered engineer Peter Anderton. 

In addition, on Thursday 28th September, the last day of the event, the Learning Hub will host a special focus on recruitment, development and skills led by BEST, the PPMA Group’s charitable initiative aimed to sustain and develop the industry’s workforce.

Innovation and interactivity 

In 2016, the PPMA Total Show saw more than 1000 leading packaging and processing machinery manufacturers represented at the NEC across three days, with more than 7500 visitors. With an increased investment in content and features, regional and international marketing and PR, the event continues to gain significant support from both member and non-member companies. In fact, with more than 300 confirmed exhibitors and in excess of 9500m² of show floor, the 2017 event is set to be the largest PPMA Show of the past 12 years. 

A dynamic range of exhibitors such as Schubert UK, Omron, ABB, Ilapak, and MINEBEA INTENC, will all be showcasing their latest innovations. These include Schubert UK’s compact TLM technology, with the company demonstrating a machine which packs mayonnaise cups into cardboard boxes, whilst Omron’s Quattro Delta robot - with a pick rate of 300 parts per minute – will make its UK debut at the show.

The PPMA Show 2017 will also feature all-new entertainment and interactive features, including a computer-controller 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.

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. As well as 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.”