Meet the machines

The PPMA Show 2009 takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from September 29-October 1. Ahead of our full preview of the exhibition in next month’s issue, Packaging Today spoke to the show’s marketing manager, Deborah Conneely, to get the inside track into what visitors can expect from this year’s event.

Packaging Today: This is the 21st anniversary of the PPMA Show. What do you think is the secret of the show’s continuing success?

Deborah Conneely: I think the main reason is that the PPMA Show is a machinery-only exhibition and as a result is extremely focused, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to see the major players demonstrating machinery live. In fact, there is nowhere else in the UK where you can see such a large amount of working equipment from over 300 exhibitors, and this allows manufacturers, processors and engineers to make real product comparisons and evaluations that will enable them to make the right purchasing decisions for their business.

Another major benefit, of course, is the variety of markets that the exhibition serves. Whether you supply the food and drink, pharmaceutical, healthcare, cosmetics, personal care, household product or chemical sectors, you are certain to find interesting developments and the latest innovations that can help you to adapt to new customer requirements which are driven by rapidly changing consumer demand.

PT: So what can visitors expect to see at this year’s show?

DC: Well I don’t want to steal the thunder from our exhibitors – or from Packaging Today’s own preview next month – but new developments from participating companies that we are already aware of include a vision sensor for code checking; a gas analyser for Modified Atmosphere Packaging; a large character inkjet printer; a high speed baggingmachine; a pneumatic conveying system; a new pouch filling and sealing machine; a bulk bag discharger; a compact footprint spiral elevator; a multi-head weigher and form fill seal machine to handle fresh fruit and vegetables; and a new system to secure bags and net packaging with a plastics rather than metal clip.

These products provide an excellent demonstration of the sort of variety of equipment and solutions that visitors can expect to see. They can also find out more details about all the latest innovations on show by logging onto the website at www.ppmashow.co.uk, where exhibitors have uploaded a vast array of product news and information.

PT: Are there any new developments planned for the show itself?

DC: Naturally, we are always looking to introduce new features to further increase the appeal of the show. I mentioned earlier the PPMA Show’s main strength is its live machinery demonstrations, so a major initiative this year is the Machinery Innovation Demonstrations timetable, which will showcase the latest machinery from exhibitors and keep visitors up-to-date with technology developments that could provide real benefit to their business. In addition, if visitors are looking to source equipment and would like some free advice on where to start, the advisors at the PPMA Machinery Finder Helpdesk on stand C90 will be able to assist with all kinds of production challenges. The Helpdesk will also provide health and safety guidance, and advice on the latest legislation as well as specific project management issues.

PT: There’s also the Starpack Awards.

DC: Yes, we are delighted that this year the exhibition is co-located with the prestigious Starpack 2009 Dinner and Awards Ceremony, taking place on the evening of Wednesday September 30. Celebrating innovation in packaging design and technology, the dinner provides the perfect evening’s entertainment and industry networking opportunity for both visitors and exhibitors to the PPMA Show.

PT: How do visitors register for the show?

DC: You can obtain your free visitor badge by going to www.ppmashow.co.uk/register. The website also provides all the latest on the exhibition, including an interactive show planner to help visitors plan their day, the latest exhibitor list, discounted hotel rates, as well as detailed information on the products that will be on display. And, finally, don’t forget that car parking at the NEC is free for all visitors and exhibitors for the duration of the event. I look forward to seeing you there!