From design, automation and control, packaging machinery to materials and containers, the Total Show 2013 offers the opportunity to discover the latest technologies to enhance business and transform your production line – crucial at a time when industry is facing multiple challenges
This year’s Total Processing & Packaging exhibition (4th-6th June – NEC, Birmingham) takes place against a tough backdrop for the industry. Manufacturing output fell by three percent in the year to March 2013, according to the Office for National Statistics. On top of that, the manufacturing industry is suffering a degree of collateral damage from the horsemeat scandal.
Luckily, there are some chinks of light amongst the darkness, and some firms are finding ways to turn the crises into opportunities.
Michelle Newman, marketing manager for Kliklok (stand H10) said, “In light of the recent controversy over horsemeat, an increasing number of supermarkets are pledging to source their ingredients from reputable suppliers in the UK. It already seems that the average consumer is now favouring fish and chicken over red meat consumption. For the UK food producer, this may well lead to an unexpected upturn in overall production, which means that higher speed, labour saving automatic packaging could be the next step.”
Graham Earl, exhibition manager at the Total Processing & Packaging Exhibition, added, “It sounds counter intuitive, but tough times can be positive for manufacturers, as they act as a catalyst for innovation. We think that this is where a show like Total comes into its own.”
Comprising three dedicated hubs including Pakex, PPMA and Interphex, over 320 exhibitors will be on hand at the show to demonstrate just how processing and packaging professionals can improve efficiency, accuracy and consistency while focusing on innovation.
While advice on the latest pressing industry topics can be found on a number of exhibitor stands, free to attend seminars will also be available throughout the three day event. Reflecting the three show hubs, visitors can attend seminars in the Manufacturing Forum, the Interphex Theatre and Pakex Innovation Hub. Each hub offers a different seminar programme chaired by editors from industry magazines, society and institution representatives and industry experts.
While attendees can discover the latest in packaging design at the Pakex Innovation Hub, and an insight into the issues and pressing topics affecting pharmaceutical manufacturers in the Interphex Theatre, those looking for developments in machinery and automation can join the Manufacturing Forum. This hub will offer an insight into the technology designed to help manufacturers reduce waste, increase flexibility and transform productivity on the production line.
Looking to the future
Recognising the best and brightest up and coming talent in the industry will also be a key focus of the show, with the return of the Ones to Watch competition and the launch of the new Packaging Design Challenge.
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. Sponsored by Festo, a public vote will decide the successful candidate, who will win more than £9,500 of in-house training from Festo’s Training & Consulting portfolio.
New to this year’s exhibition is the Packaging Design Challenge, which will offer one lucky packaging professional the chance at an investment in their packaging innovations. Candidates are invited to submit their packaging concepts for a chance to secure a real financial investment live at the show. If you have a concept or packaging idea you’d like to see on the shop shelves, visit www.totalexhibition.com/packdesignchallenge
And let’s not forget there is also the exhibition itself, with over 300 exhibitors showing their wares.
For example, Vacuum pump and over pressure blower manufacturer Busch (stand J25) will highlight its R5 rotary vane vacuum pump, as well as after sales and service products; Ishida’s latest multihead weigher will make its UK debut at the exhibition (stand A30); R. A. Rodriguez (stand D60) will be showcasing complementary technology to its Universal Robot launched at the last Total show; and Pacepacker Services (stand J22) will be highlighting its Blu-Robot Pick & Place range of second user automation solutions.
Additional and more detailed information on what and who will be exhibiting at the Total Processing & Packaging show can be found on pages 39 and 41.
Total Processing & Packaging
T: 0208 271 2141
