As new figures released by the Bank of England reveal British manufacturing has grown in September at the fastest pace since April 2015, Engineering Update looks back at the success of the 2015 exhibition, and reveals the latest on the PPMA Total Show 2016.
The PPMA Show 2015 returned to the NEC from 29th September – 1st October, with more than 1,000 leading packaging and processing manufacturers showcasing the latest technological innovations and discussing key business opportunities with more than 7,500 visitors.
An opening keynote from Lord Digby Jones, former Minister of State for Trade and Investment, set the tone for the informative seminar sessions which saw prominent figures from across the manufacturing sector take to the stage. Former Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King CBE, provided the headline discussion highlighting the future for multiple retailers, while young engineers, Hannah Whall of Nestle and Sam Kelly of PepsiCo provided insights into the opportunities available to young people in the industry.
The hot topic of the adoption of robotics also came under the spotlight with Shadow Robot’s Managing Director Rich Walker showcasing the capabilities of modern robotics, while the latest inventive and quirky uses of robotic technology, including robotics that could dance, serve drinks and even play golf, were demonstrated in the PPMA’s new Robotic and Industrial Vision zone.
Leading experts also took to the floor to showcase the financial assistance available for the manufacturing industry, including headline sponsors of the PPMA Show 2015, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. David Atkinson, Head of Manufacturing, SME, at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The PPMA Show is a major landmark in the manufacturing calendar and this year’s event was bigger and better than ever. Many businesses were keen to share their experiences, taking elements of best practice from across the industry to better understand how they can achieve their growth aspirations. It was fantastic to see so many businesses from across the industry hungry to collaborate and share new ideas, a true reflection of the best British business has to offer.”
The 2016 PPMA Total Show, which will take place in September for the first time in its history,
moving from its usual June slot (27-29 September 2016, NEC, Birmingham). The PPMA Total Show 2016 incorporates three major exhibition brands – PPMA, Pakex and Interphex – highlighting the latest innovations in materials, containers and packaging design, as well as the very latest processing and packaging machinery, industrial automation and vision innovations.
For more information on the 2016 PPMA Total Show, please visit www.ppmatotalshow.co.uk or email [email protected].
