Bringing innovation to the masses

The Upakovka/Upak Italia exhibition took place in Moscow from 27–30 January, attracting more than 350 exhibitors from 20 plus countries. Despite the fact that the Russian population has now exceeded 140mn, only 2 per cent of packaging machines are manufactured indigenously. The sector is thus dependent on imports and the exhibition has become important to Russian customers.

Both Italian and German machinery suppliers understand the importance and potential of the Russian market. Manufacturers from these two countries dominated the show, with around 100 companies from each nation. Only three British firms exhibited – All-Fill International, manufacturer of feeding and checkweighing equipment; Atlas Converting Equipment (slitter-rewinders) and Crabtree of Gateshead (metal decorating presses). Most Russian customers must have come away thinking that packaging equipment is only produced in Italy and Germany.

In my opinion, Italian group Sacmi had the most impressive stand, incorporating a small plant, comprising the Volo-Mas system for filling still and carbonated products in plastic bottles, together with the Opera labelling system, Gaiotto GA200 robotic system and Negri Bossi plastic moulding machine. Other exhibitors concentrated on machinery already well-known to Russian customers.

Many component parts suppliers also exhibited, including chains manufacturer Renold, and Camozzi, producer of pneumatic systems. Several Russian machinery builders were present, particularly those focusing on flow-wrapping, such as such as Bestrom, Tauras-Fenix, Russkaya Trapeza and Notis. This company is worthy of special attention as it produces inexpensive machinery that, in my opinion, could rival equipment from Western Europe. Another major Russian company is the Yukam-Group, whose range of includes bottling, conveying and robotic units.

Many companies focused on both equipment and servicing abilities. For example, Italian manufacturer of flow-wrappers Record exhibited with Russian franchisee Basis-Pack, which provides technical support. Similarly, Russian company RusKond introduced Italy’s Brovind, Acma GD and Eurosicma, whilst the Russian branch of Peter Binder undertakes technical support and servicing for equipment for such German companies as H&S Tea, Grunwald and Setpack.

In many instances, Russian partners and agents for exhibiting companies maintain spares warehouses. Bosch has gone one step further and opened a factory in Russia to manufacture packaging machinery in accordance with German methods and standards.

Despite the financial crisis, the exhibition received a good attendance. Its success shows the optimism of the Russian industry. However, it is undeniable that Russian customers continue to favour cheap, quality equipment that is indigenously produced. If a western company is to succeed in Russia, it must prove that the aftersales support structure is already in position.