PPMA Gear Up Issue 1

Members Magazine
Are you ready
for Industry
4.0?
Issue 1 / Spring 2017
Success stories
Meet the UK
manufacturers
embracing the 4th
Industrial Revolution
BARA’s Mike Wilson
on intelligent
automation

Members Magazine
The smart
innovation issue
Editorial
Spring 2017 / Issue 1
3 View from the top
BARA President Mike Wilson outlines the importance of automation
for Industry 4.0. Plus, PPMA Chairman Mark Williamson on the
changing face of manufacturing.
4-5 Business intelligence
How prepared are UK manufacturers for the 4th industrial revolution?
And just how far ahead are our competitors?
6-7 Success stories
The automation system behind the UK’s first commercially
viable vertical farm. Plus, how an intelligent robot has helped a
confectionery manufacturer to grow by 600%.
8-9 Industry events
Focus on Machine Vision Conference and Exhibition, plus all the
essential dates for your diary over the next 12 months.
10 Seminars, training and networking
Training and seminars covering everything from project management
to robotic safety. Plus, golf, driving days, and our unmissable Industry
4.0 networking event.
11 Linked Up
Connect with like-minded members.
12-13 Member benefits
PPMA Partner TÜV SÜD explains machinery’s smart new world.
Editor
Kate O’Reilly
+44 (0)7894 039609
kate.oreilly@ppma.co.uk
Managing Editor
Kirsty Sharpe
+44 (0)1920 821873
kirsty.sharpe@glohouse.co.uk
Editorial Assistant
Lucy Benbow
+44 (0)7971 987761
lucy.benbow@glohouse.co.uk
2017 editorial schedule
To contribute to any of our
forthcoming issues, contact our
editorial team via the details
above.
Summer
The export issue
(copy deadline 12 May)
Autumn
The recruitment issue
(copy deadline 22 July)
Winter
The green issue
(copy deadline 13 October)
14-15 New members
Meet the newest additions to the PPMA family.
16 Get in touch
Contact the PPMA team.
© 2017 PPMA Ltd
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints
expressed by the various authors and
forum participants on this publication
do not necessarily reflect the opinions,
beliefs and viewpoints of the PPMA Group
of Associations.
2 www.ppma.co.uk

View from
the top
Ringing the changes
By Mark Williamson, Chairman of the
PPMA Group and Director – Corporate
Market Development, Machine Vision
– at Stemmer Imaging
Is robot automation the key
to the 4th Industrial Revolution?
By Mike Wilson, President of BARA and Sales & Marketing Manager at
ABB Robotics
As the new Chairman of the PPMA
Group, I’m extremely excited to have
been asked to guide the association
over the next two years and help
expand the value we offer our
members. One new initiative is the
UKIVA Machine Vision Conference (27
April, Arena MK), where you can learn
what this innovative technology can
do for your machinery – I urge you
to attend and grasp the possibilities.
Another hot topic affecting our
industry in the coming years is
Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet
of Things. To help bring you up to
speed on this area, we are holding an
Industry 4.0 networking event (4 April,
MTC Coventry) – come along to learn
about the connected factory, where
machines communicate status and
maintenance needs, and link directly
to ERP systems.
I hope you enjoy this first
issue of Gear Up, our rebranded
membership magazine, and I look
forward to meeting you at our
upcoming PPMA events.
There is much discussion regarding the
need for UK manufacturing to embrace
the technologies of Industry 4.0. These
are seen as key to ensuring that our
manufacturing can compete against the
best in the world. The Smart Factory
will require the use of agile automation
which can respond to changes in demand
and requirements. A key factor is the
appropriate use of robot automation to
drive the benefits of productivity and,
at the same time, achieve the agility
required.
Whilst there are excellent examples
of robot automation applications in the
UK, we are behind our major competitors.
A study by the Copenhagen Business
School concluded that if each industry
sector in the UK was automated to the
same level as those which were the
most automated, our productivity would
improve by over 22 per cent. This would
address our productivity gap with our
major competitors.
The government has recognised the
need to improve productivity within UK
manufacturing and the positive role robot
automation can play. The recent Industrial
Strategy green paper also emphasises
the need to improve productivity and
recognises the low uptake of robots
in the UK. Now, we are calling on the
government to introduce measures
to encourage UK manufacturers to
implement robot automation systems
and thereby improve productivity.
There are numerous examples of
British businesses that have benefited
from robots, from small niche companies
such as Boomf, which produces
personalised confectionery (see p7), to
safety equipment manufacturer JSP.
Both these businesses have seen over
three-fold increases in productivity from
their investment in automation. However,
we need many more businesses to
implement their first robot systems
so they too can witness the benefits
first-hand. We recognise this can be
daunting, but robot systems are much
more affordable than they used to be and
much easier to use and maintain.
BARA continues to promote the
benefits of robot automation, lobbies
government when appropriate and is
also working with the banks to spread
the word to the finance community. We
believe the message is getting across;
however, we need to accelerate this
growth as the rest of the world is not
standing still. The time is right and we
are now calling on everyone to work
together to make a step change in the
use of robots to improve the productivity
and competiveness of UK manufacturing.
mike.wilson@gb.abb.com
3 www.ppma.co.uk

Industry 4.0
business intelligence
Number
crunching
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is still in its nascent state. But
with the swift pace of change and disruption to business and
society, the time to join in is now.”
Gary Coleman, Global Industry and Senior Client Advisor, Deloitte Consulting
The 4th Industrial Revolution
is here. Industry 4.0 and
smart factories – where
machines communicate with
each other to automate the
production line and deliver
superior cost efficiencies,
goods or services – are
set to change the face of
manufacturing. Keeping
your factory ‘connected’ will
ensure your company isn’t
left behind. But just how far
does the UK have to go to
compete with the countries
leading the charge? And
what will this brave, new,
connected world mean for
traditional employment?
The UK plays catch-up
18
Percentage UK lags behind the G7
average in terms of output
(Office for National Statistics, International
comparisons of UK productivity, first
estimates: 2015)
170
Number of industrial robots per 10,000
employees in Germany (outside the
automotive sector)
(International Federation of Robotics,
World Robotics 2016)
33
Number of industrial robots per 10,000
employees in the UK (outside the
automotive sector)
(International Federation of Robotics,
World Robotics 2016)
Robot wars
60,000
Number of factory workers Foxconn,
which makes Apple and Samsung
components, is estimated to have
replaced with robots in 2016
(www.bbc.co.uk/news/
technology-36376966)
19%
Amount UK robot sales increased by in
2016 (compared to 2015 figures)
(BARA Robot Sales Stats 2016)
2.5%
Amount the number of jobs grew by
per year in Germany (2010-15) – over
the same period the number of robots
grew by 3%
(International Federation of Robotics,
World Robotics 2016)
4 www.ppma.co.uk

“Achieving a smart factory isn’t going to happen overnight.
Instead, it should be seen as a process of continual
improvement, starting at where you are now and with a clear
idea of where you want to go.”
Mike Wilson, President, BARA
Coming soon…
From April, PPMA members can
download the Global Packaging Trends
report, delivered in collaboration with
the PMMI, from our website. For full
report, see the export-themed next
issue of Gear Up, due out in early July.
www.ppma.co.uk
Get connected
The value of R&D
Preparing for 4.0
46bn
Number of connected devices predicted
to be in use globally by 2021
(Juniper Research, The Internet of Things)
$3.1bn
Estimated value of the global cobot
(collaborative robot) market by 2020
(Barclays Capital)
10%
Amount productivity has increased by
at Bosch’s Homburg plant, thanks to
connected technologies
(Bosch)
£2bn
Government investment per year by
2020 for R&D, to ensure British business
remains at the cutting edge of scientific
and technological discovery
(BEIS)
87
Percentage of manufacturers who
say they will have to invest in
new technology to meet customer
expectations
(EEF Business Environment Survey 2016)
69
Percentage that UK manufacturing
represents of business R&D investment
(EEF UK Manufacturing 2016)
63
Percentage of UK manufacturers
that have either implemented or are
planning to integrate IIoT technologies
into their products
(MPI Internet of Things Study)
1/3
Proportion of UK manufacturers that
have no plans to develop an IIoT
strategy for processes or products
(MPI Internet of Things Study)
2Percentage of sales that 2/3 of
manufacturers have invested in
implementing the IIoT
(MPI Internet of Things Study)
5 www.ppma.co.uk

success stories
Smart
farming
grows up
Automation is key to UK’s
first commercially viable
vertical farm
At a glance
Challenge: How to make
vertical farming commercially
viable
Solution: An automated
stacking tower using fewer
resources and coordinating
with the grid to use energy
when demand is low and
costs are cheaper
Outcome: The UK’s first
commercially viable vertical
farm has now passed the
proof of concept stage and is
moving to a full scale trial
Vertical farming has long been proposed
as a solution to the many problems in the
food supply chain. The technique offers
predictable, high-quality produce all year
round in a location that is close to the point
of use, including urban areas and sites not
normally suitable for agriculture. It uses
minimal water, fertiliser and pesticides, and
has low labour costs. But until now, its full
potential has never been unlocked due to
the excessive energy required to power the
lighting and hydroponics systems.
However, thanks to the assistance of
partners Omron and the James Hutton
Institute, Intelligent Growth Services (IGS)
has announced a successful prototyping
phase for the UK’s first commercially viable
vertical farm. Having passed its proof of
concept, it will soon move to a full scale
trial at Invergowrie, near Dundee.
Stacks of success
IGS was founded on the premise that
a vertical farming tower could be built
using an automated stacking system.
The stacking tower would offer a closed
environment that would use fewer
resources, while increasing safety by
restricting access to the first metre of the
tower. The design would also facilitate
the implementation of a fully integrated
automation system.
After forming a partnership with
the James Hutton Institute to provide
“As no phase in the growth cycle is time critical, by flexing with
the grid in real time, we can act like a natural battery, which
does not wear out. We can see how this approach could reduce
our power cost in the very near future to almost zero.”
Dave Scott, Technical Director at IGS
agricultural expertise, IGS approached
Omron to consult on the automation
side of the project. The stacking
system, lighting, hydroponics and other
components in each tower would be
controlled directly by an Omron Sysmac
machine controller. As well as offering
advanced control functions, the controller
can output secure data directly to a SQL
database. In the vertical farming system,
the controller communicated straight
to the cloud, which allowed the towers
to operate without the need for an
enterprise IT system, further saving on the
cost and complexity of the overall system.
Taking control
The system’s communications were
implemented using both control I/O over
EtherCAT and SQL data over Ethernet/IP.
The control I/O took care of the system
sensors and lighting, with the same
EtherCAT network also handling the motion
control element.
The Omron hardware was supported
by Sysmac Studio configuration software.
Sysmac gave IGS a single platform that
could be used to develop the control
software, validate it, and then control
and monitor the towers. The platform is
flexible, and will allow IGS to easily make
changes remotely via VPN to the system
and support new features as the company
needs them.
6 www.ppma.co.uk

Sweet success
Intelligent automation has delivered a 600 per cent
growth to personalised confectionery manufacturer
At a glance
Clockwise from main left:
Omron has helped IGS to develop the UK’s first
commercially viable vertical farm
The control system coordinates growth cycles with
grid capacity for decreased electrical costs
The platform controls and monitors each
growth tower
Smart energy use
The initial two prototype towers also
gave IGS the platform to develop the
energy saving techniques that had
made previous vertical farming attempts
economically unviable. The company
first lowered their LED energy usage
by implementing an innovative new
technique that drives the LEDs directly
from the power supply. However,
electrical costs were still too high, so it
next looked at coordinating the growing
cycles with times when the grid was over
or under capacity.
“As no phase in the growth cycle
is time critical, by flexing with the grid
in real time, we can act like a natural
battery, which does not wear out. We
can see how this approach could reduce
our power cost in the very near future
to almost zero,” explains Dave Scott,
Technical Director at IGS.
A bright future
The next stage of the project will throw
up even more challenges, including
the integration of Omron Adept mobile
robots and even tighter levels of
automation for the whole facility. The
new environment will require all three
partners to work even closer together to
ensure a successful, long term outcome
tor the project.
“A highly integrated automation
strategy, patented energy reduction
technology and the most advanced
biological research available were
the three key pillars to success in the
prototype project,” adds Dave.
www.industrial.omron.co.uk
Challenge: How to keep up
with increasing order levels,
improve product quality and
reduce waste
Solution: A robot has
automated the cutting
process
Outcome: Productivity has
increased, health and safety
has improved, and the client
can quickly respond to
changes in seasonal demand
Founded in 2013 by James Middleton and
Andy Bell, Reading-based confectionery
manufacturer Boomf enables customers
to print their choice of photos, graphics
and messages onto marshmallows.
However, the idea proved so popular
that the company was soon struggling to
keep up with orders.
Much of the delay was centred around
the cutting stage, while the difficulties
involved in achieving a consistent cut
meant there was also a lot of wastage.
With Boomf specialising in such a niche
product, the founders realised that
custom-built equipment was the way
forward and James soon came across a
video of an automated cutting application
which used a robot with an ultrasonic
blade to cut cakes. The system was
integrated by Newtech, an ABB Robotics
UK Authorised Value Provider, so James
made contact to see if they could help
with Boomf’s requirements.
Smart solutions
Like any robot installation, a trial was first
undertaken, to ensure the best results.
Through applying a mechanically PTFEcoated
blade to the ABB IRB 1200 robot,
Newtech found a solution – passing the
blade through an oil reservoir before the
marshmallow is cut ensures a suitable
surface for cutting. Once portioned, the
blade then passes through a cleaning
tank before repeating the process.
Boomf’s James Middleton and Jas Rai of Newtech
with the robot cell
Now automated, the marshmallow cutting process
takes 17 seconds
In addition to improved product
quality, the robot solution has also
significantly raised productivity levels.
Boomf previously employed ten people
to manually cut the trays of marshmallow
into 40mm by 40mm squares, a procedure
which took five minutes. Now automated,
it takes just 17 seconds. What’s more,
Boomf now has the flexibility to quickly
respond to changes in seasonal demand.
Using an IRB 1200 within a machine
cell has enabled Boomf to improve health
and safety at its site, too. Removing
the human interaction from the cutting
process has reduced the risk of accidents
and employees can now apply their
skills to other areas of the business, such
as operating the robot. And in terms
of finances, Boomf is already reaping
benefits; in just its second year of
business, the company has grown by an
astounding 600 per cent.
To any UK manufacturers thinking of
investing in robotic automation, Boomf’s
James Middleton says, “Go for it. An
investment in robotics is a great decision
for any company that wants to ensure
their future in an increasingly digital
market.”
To find out more, quote Boomf and
contact:
robotics@gb.abb.com
T +44 (0)1908 350300
7 www.ppma.co.uk

Key industry events
Forthcoming
Later on
4
APR
5-6
APR
27
APR
4-10
MAY
14-17
JUN
PPMA Industry 4.0 networking event –
in collaboration with Siemens
MTC Coventry
Are you ready for Industry 4.0? Learn what it
means for your business at this free to attend,
half-day event, brought to you by the PPMA in
collaboration with Siemens.
To book your place, call 020 8773 8111 or contact
christine.jordan@ppma.co.uk
Empack 2017
Brabanthallen, S-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
The future of packaging technology. Do business,
explore new packaging trends, network and increase
your knowledge.
www.easyfairs.com/empack-den-bosch-2017/
empack-den-bosch-2017/
UKIVA Machine Vision
Conference & Exhibition
Arena MK, Milton Keynes
Discover the latest developments in the industrial
imaging world and learn how machine vision can
enhance your business. Confirmed keynote speakers
include online grocer Ocado and technology company
Dyson. Featuring 47 exhibitors and 50 technical vision
seminars, from beginner to expert.
www.machinevisionconference.co.uk
interpack 2017
Dusseldorf, Germany
The essential event for the food, beverage,
confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical,
cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods sectors.
Whether you’re exhibiting or visiting, come along to
the PPMA stand (4E55) to meet the team or take a
well-earned coffee break.
www.interpack.com
ProPak Asia 2017
BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand
Smart
Innovation
Smart
Innovation
PPMA
stand
4E55
Asia’s number one processing and packaging event,
featuring eight industry zones and a larger footprint,
allowing for more exhibitors and a greater machinery
display than ever before. The PPMA pavilion is now
fully booked and our exhibitors are looking forward
to welcoming visitors from countries across the
region, including Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, China and
Vietnam.
www.propakasia.com
12-14 July 2017
ProPak China 2017
Shanghai, China
www.propakchina.com/en/
19-21 Sept 2017
ProPak West Africa
Lagos, Nigeria
www.propakwestafrica.com
21-23 Sept 2017
ProPak Myanmar 2017
Yangon, Myanmar
www.propakmyanmar.com
25-27 Sept 2017
Pack Expo Las Vegas 2017
Las Vegas, USA
www.packexpolasvegas.com
26 Sept 2017
PPMA Group Industry Awards
National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham
www.ppmashow.co.uk
26-28 Sept 2017
PPMA Show 2017
NEC Birmingham
www.ppmashow.co.uk
24-26 Oct 2017
ProPak Cape 2017
Cape Town, South Africa
www.propakcape.co.za
31 Oct-2 Nov 2017
Gulfood Manufacturing 2017
Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com
janette.lane@ppma.co.uk
15-18 Nov 2017
Plastics & Rubber Indonesia 2017
Jakarta, Indonesia
www.plasticsandrubberindonesia.com
20-23 Mar 2018
Anuga Food Tec 2018
Cologne, Germany
www.anugafoodtec.com
Enter
now
PPMA UK
pavilion
bookings now
being taken
8 www.ppma.co.uk

Feature events
Vision and Industry 4.0
By Paul Wilson, Chairman of UKIVA and Managing
Director of Scorpion Vision
PPMA to host UK pavilion at
Gulfood Manufacturing
“The move towards Industry 4.0 relies on the connectivity
between systems and the interchange of data. In principle,
smart sensors, used to generate this data from the production
line, could include cameras, as they are essentially data
gathering devices. But in fact, industrial vision has been
helping to monitor and automate industrial processes for
many years by linking directly into manufacturing statistical
process control systems. Measuring variations in key
parameters on product or components at multiple points in
the manufacturing cycle allows trends in the process to be
monitored, automatically flagging the need for corrective
action before tolerance limits are exceeded. Visitors to the
UKIVA Machine Vision Conference & Exhibition on 27 April at
Arena MK, Milton Keynes, will be able to find out more about
the latest camera technology and connectivity, and how it can
help their business to become Industry 4.0 ready.”
www.machinevisionconference.co.uk
The future of smart factories
The PPMA Show 2017 (26-28
Sept, NEC Birmingham) will
bring together buyers and
sellers at one of the most
visually dynamic exhibitions
of the very latest processing
and packaging machinery,
materials, industrial
automation and vision innovations. Attended by thousands of
quality end users, this year’s event will fully embrace all things
‘smart’, featuring on-stand demonstrations, product launches
and a newly designed seminar programme on how Industry
4.0 is set to revolutionise UK manufacturing.
Book your stand now by contacting our Sales Team:
scott.mckenna@ppma.co.uk
T +44 (0)20 8773 8111
www.ppmashow.co.uk
The PPMA is managing the UK pavilion at Gulfood
Manufacturing 2017 (Dubai World Trade Centre, 31 Oct-2
Nov), and time is running out to secure your place. Over 1,500
exhibitors attended the 2016 version – a 40 per cent increase
on the first event – which featured 58 participating countries,
80,000m 2 of exhibition space and 32,000+ visitors from 158
nations, 11 per cent up on 2015!
To book your stand, contact
janette.lane@ppma.co.uk
www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com
Call for entries
The PPMA Group Industry Awards
returns to the National Motorcycle
Museum in Birmingham on 26
September 2017 (the first night of the
PPMA Show). The event celebrates
and recognises the finest examples
of innovation, smart manufacturing,
service and collaboration across all
facets of the industry.
For the full list of new categories and
to submit your entry, go to
www.ppmashow.co.uk/awards
Closing date for entries: 30 June 2017
9 www.ppma.co.uk

Seminars, training and networking
Forthcoming
Later on
4
APR
11
MAY
16
MAY
24
MAY
PPMA Industry 4.0 networking event –
in collaboration with Siemens
MTC Coventry
The next Industrial Revolution is coming…is your
company ready? The Industrial Internet of Things
and Industry 4.0 will increasingly impact machine
builders, while advances in technology are already
blurring the boundaries between the digital and physical
worlds. Learn what this means for your business at
this half-day event, brought to you by the PPMA in
collaboration with Siemens. Featuring sessions on
machine and mechatronic design, automatic integration,
and possible new business models, the event also
includes a Q&A session and light lunch.
PPMA Driving Safety Day
Heyford Park, Upper Heyford, Bicester
Our safety and awareness driving days, brought to you
by Ultimate Car Control, are both educational and fun.
Free for PPMA members.
Managing Workplace Performance
Marriott Hotel, Northampton
This course will aid line managers who have
performance management responsibilities and need to
help staff achieve their potential by: understanding the
link between effective performance management and
business results; identifying how to use a GAP analysis
on an individual performance; explaining how to use a
Personal Improvement Plan; and much more.
PPMA member rate £95 +VAT.
Machinery Directive
Marriott Hotel, Northampton
Smart
Innovation
Is your company fully conversant with the current
Machinery Directive? This seminar provides an overview
of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, including:
partly completed machines; essential health & safety
regulations; technical file contents; and much more.
PPMA member rate £195 +VAT.
14 June
PPMA Driving Safety Day
Heyford Park, Upper Heyford, Bicester
Our safety and awareness driving days, brought to you
by Ultimate Car Control, are both educational and fun.
Free for PPMA members.
21 June
Introduction to Project Management
Marriott Hotel, Northampton
This practical course offers essential and effective
skills, tools and techniques for those who have
never been trained in running a project, are working
in a project support office, or are new to the role of
project manager.
PPMA member rate £95 +VAT.
28 June
Robotic Safety for Integrators
Marriott Hotel, Manchester
This seminar is aimed at companies using, purchasing,
designing and manufacturing machines incorporating
industrial robots. It will discuss some of the issues
regarding CE marking of complex assemblies and the
requirements of the various standards.
PPMA member rate £195 +VAT.
5 July
PPMA Driving Safety Day
Heyford Park, Upper Heyford, Bicester
Our safety and awareness driving days, brought to you
by Ultimate Car Control, are both educational and fun.
Free for PPMA members.
31 August
PPMA Golf Day
The Oxfordshire, Milton Common, Oxfordshire
The perfect opportunity for members to entertain
clients and take part in a thoroughly enjoyable day of
27 holes of golf and four competitions, at one of the
most exciting courses in the country. The day will finish
with a three course dinner and trophy presentations.
£495 per 4-player team or £130 per person.
Stay up to date
Knowledge is power – stay one step ahead of the
competition by attending our informative seminars,
training and networking events. To book your
place on any of these events, or for questions and
comments, call 020 8773 8111 or contact
christine.jordan@ppma.co.uk
10 www.ppma.co.uk

Linked Up
Perfect partners
Are you looking for an agent or
distributor? Perhaps you need a system
integrator or automation partner? Or
could your company benefit from the
services of a HR or recruitment expert?
Many PPMA members are already
working together on successful projects
– get in touch to start your search for
the perfect partner.
Are you prepared for the
Apprenticeship Levy?
The Apprenticeship Levy is coming.
From 6 April 2017, UK employers with
a PAYE bill of over £3m per annum will
be required to pay 0.5% of their annual
payroll into the Levy, which will be used
to pay for new apprenticeships. To find
out more, go to
http://bit.ly/2nkiZIB
Stronger together
Are you looking for a system integrator or technical partner? Are you thinking of
exporting into a new territory and keen to speak to someone else who’s done business
there? Or could your company benefit from the experience of someone whose factory
is already geared up for Industry 4.0?
Whatever your query, it’s likely that another PPMA member has the answer. With over
500 member firms covering every facet of the industry from processing and packaging,
to automation and vision, the Association is a fantastic resource. So harness the power
of the membership by using this page to connect with like-minded companies, for
mutual benefit.
In forthcoming issues, this page will act as a forum for PPMA members to reach out to
one another for advice, collaboration and knowledge transfer. Whatever you’re looking
for, this is the place to start your search.
Send your requests to
kate.oreilly@ppma.co.uk
Do you have
exporting expertise?
The next issue of Gear Up will focus on
exporting. Do you have experience of
trading overseas? Could you share top
tips of what to do (or what not to to
do!) in a particular territory? Or perhaps
you’re thinking of doing business abroad
but are unsure of the local business
culture, legal framework or technical
regulations? Whatever your query, let us
help you reach out to those in the know.
Or get in touch to share your
apprenticeship advice or queries.
The benefits of robotics for
bakeries
Want to discover how robots can help
Britain’s bakeries? ABB’s forthcoming
bakeries-focused Switch to Robots
seminar will explain how ongoing
developments in robot technology
are opening up new possibilities for
transforming productivity and efficiency
in baking applications. Taking place
at ABB’s Solutions Centre in Milton
Keynes on 26 April 2017, the event will
show how robots can bring a range of
benefits, including enhanced flexibility
to handle multiple products, reduced
wastage and increased yields.
To register, go to
http://bit.ly/S2RBakery
Do you have an open day, training
seminar or best practice event that you
want to tell the membership about?
Contact us to share your news.
11 www.ppma.co.uk

Machinery’s smart new world
Member benefits
By Neil Dyson, Business Line Manager
for Machinery Safety at TÜV SÜD
Product Service, a global product
testing and certification organisation.
TÜV SÜD Product Service
is a partner of the PPMA
Group. The Association
has partnerships with
various service providers,
covering insurance, H&S
and employment law,
recruitment, training,
litigation, technical advice
and driver training. To access
any of these services at a
preferential PPMA member
rate, contact
membership@ppma.co.uk
It is an employer’s
responsibility to ensure
that all machinery meets
the requirements of the
Machinery Directive and
Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations (PUWER). If a machine
has a substantial change made, a full
CE marking and assessment must be
completed before it can be returned
to service – in fact, any configuration
change in the production line requires
recertification of the whole facility.
Industry 4.0 includes cyber-physical
systems, the Industrial Internet of Things
(IIoT) and cloud computing, supporting
highly flexible, automated ‘plug and
produce’ manufacturing. However, the
dynamic approach of Industry 4.0’s
cyber-physical systems means that
with a simple press of a button, easily
configurable machinery and production
lines can be instantly changed. As it
is the original configuration that is
risk assessed, such instant updates to
machinery mean that the time-hungry,
traditional approach of ‘risk assessment
as you make changes’ will become
obsolete.
The risk assessment process
therefore needs to be modified to meet
the demands of Industry 4.0, with all
possible machine configurations and
modules being dynamically validated.
Each new configuration would then
be assessed in real time, resulting
in a rapidly issued digital compliance
certificate.
Industry 4.0 takes safety
assessments into four separate domains
– the smart factory (cyber-physical
production systems); vertical integration
(automation); horizontal integration
(with other systems outside the main
production environment); and human
machine integration. The introduction
of a modular certification approach is
therefore the answer, as this will enable
machinery safety practice to keep pace
with technological change by reducing
complexity, based on customer-specific
modular approaches.
T +44 (0)8700 111375
www.tuv-sud.co.uk
12 www.ppma.co.uk

Getting to know you
By Sidiqa Hazara, Membership Relations Executive
Since joining the PPMA
Group in August 2016, my
role has been completely
member-focused. I’m really
enjoying getting to know
our members, communicating the
membership benefits available and
finding out what more we can do as
an association to serve you better.
So far, my face to face meetings with
members have been well received and
I am working towards meeting as many
of you as possible, either by visiting
your premises or catching up at industry
events.
Being part of the PPMA allows members to
connect with people from all facets of the industry
Get in touch
From the many meeting I’ve had
over the past eight months, I’ve
learned that our members enjoy many
different things about being part of
the PPMA, such as: staying connected
with the industry; collaborating with
other members; as a cost-effective
way of reaching end-users and other
businesses, whether through free
editorial in Machinery Update or by
entering the PPMA Group Industry
Awards; and keeping ahead of the game
through our subsidised training and
seminar sessions, and free networking
events.
However, we are working hard to
enhance our membership services
and find ways to better engage and
collaborate with our members. Currently,
we are in the process of planning a
series of regional events and webinars
covering such hot topics as Industry 4.0,
leadership, and marketing. I’m delighted
to report that our first regional event is
in collaboration with Siemens and will
focus on Industry 4.0. Taking place on
4 April at the MTC in Coventry, I look
forward to catching up with many of you
there.
Our Membership Relations Executive, Sidiqa Hazara, regularly visits PPMA members.
To invite Sidiqa to visit your business or find out how to make the most of your
membership, contact:
sidiqa.hazara@ppma.co.uk
T +44 (0)20 8773 5521
See your company’s
co-bot news
featured in
Machinery Update
The PPMA Group publishes
market-leading journals for
the industry: Vision in Action
and Machinery Update.
Published bi-monthly and
mailed to over 9,500 end
users, Machinery Update is
the only journal exclusively
devoted to news of technical
developments in the design
and use of processing and
packaging machinery.
Machinery Update’s July/August issue
will focus on automation, robotics
and vision systems. The growth of
collaborative robots has been dramatic
in the last 12 months, with major players
such as Ford trialling them at its car plant
in Germany. We will report on these socalled
co-bots and their widening reach,
as well as the vision systems that are
making so much more possible in the
manufacturing arena. We will also cover
the ‘clever’ technology that is helping
industry work towards its Industry 4.0
goals.
To be considered for inclusion, send
your editorial submissions by 22 May to
publishing@ppma.co.uk
13 www.ppma.co.uk

Welcome new PPMA Group members
allpack ® Packaging
ETT
IBASE
allpack® Packaging is a single source
transit packaging company offering total
packaging solutions. A team of consultants
can help customers by assessing packaging
processes, whether it be through stock
control, pricing, packaging design, data
management, delivery or dedicated account
managers.
For more information, contact Marcus Clarke,
Sales Director:
sales@allpack.uk.com
T +44 (0)1922 472400
www.allpack.uk.com
Autopak
Machinery
Autopak Machinery manufactures and
supplies all types of bag filling machines,
including valve sack filling machines,
open top sack filling machines, automatic
bag placing, shako feed devices and big
bag dischargers. They also provide a
maintenance service for many other types of
bag filling equipment.
For more information, contact Aubrey
Davies, Managing Director:
adavies.autopak@btconnect.com
T +44 (0)1623 755556
www.autopakmachinery.co.uk
Cougartron
Cougartron is a manufacturer of stainless
steel surface treatment and passivation
solutions, serving the global food and
pharmaceutical industries. Cougartron
products remove all contaminants from
stainless steel surfaces; essential for
food-safe equipment, and when preparing
medication for consumption, when the
highest standards in surface hygiene and
protection are required.
For more information, contact Rick Edwards,
Business Development:
sales@cougartron.com
+44 (0)121 368 0097
www.cougartron.com
ETT offers a range of end-of-line packaging
equipment from high-end complete
turnkey systems through to palletising and
automated distribution handling solutions.
ETT designs and manufactures case/tray
packers, wraparounds, customer-specific
robot solutions, special product handling,
and sorting units for promotionally effective
shelf-ready packaging.
For more information, contact Geoff Yallop,
General Manager:
geoff@ett-uk.com
T +44 (0)1502 470812
www.ett-uk.com
Fileder
Filter Systems
Fileder Filter Systems supplies filtration and
water treatment products throughout the UK
and Europe, from a stock of £5m held in their
UK and German facilities. They offer a wide
range of products, full technical support,
external account managers, training and
laboratory facilities for product testing.
For more information, contact Mark Taylor:
mark.taylor@fileder.co.uk
T +44 (0)1622 691886
www.fileder.co.uk
Finder
Finder manufactures over 12,500 different
products for a range of automation and
machinery applications, including step relays,
industrial relays, miniature and ultra-slim
relays, power relays, timers, safety relays
sockets and accessories.
For more information, contact Andrew
Harris, Group Sales Manager:
a.harris@findernet.com
T +44 (0)1785 818100
www.findernet.com
IBASE designs and manufactures IPC products
based on x86 and RISC architectures. Their
product lines include embedded boards in
various form factors, box PCs, panel PCs and
network appliances. With a strong R&D team
and flexible manufacturing capabilities, IBASE’s
main strength is providing ODM solutions for
customers’ specific requirements.
For more information, contact Steven
Jameson, Business Development Manager:
steven.jameson@ibase-europe.com
www.ibase-europe.com
ICONSYS
ICONSYS are an automation and solutions
provider, whose capabilities include robotic
solutions, servo upgrades, PLC upgrades,
SCADA and HMI upgrades, and new turnkey
projects.
For more information, contact Neil Moss,
Business Development Manager:
neil.moss@iconsys.co.uk
T +44 (0)7583 923365
www.iconsys.co.uk
Lenze
Established in the UK for almost 50 years,
Lenze is a supplier of drive and automation
equipment. They offer a full service with
control panels, customised software and
training for both designers and machine
operators.
For more information, contact Neil
Beaumont, Commercial Sales Manager:
neil.beaumont@lenze.com
T +44 (0)1234 753200
www.lenze.com
14 www.ppma.co.uk

Get in touch
Nilfisk
Nilfisk provides industrial vacuums,
pneumatic conveyors, centralised vacuum
systems and high power vacuums for all
industrial sectors. They produce industrial
vacuums for the recovery of manufacturing
scraps, plastic, paper and fabric, and their
range of pneumatic conveyors transfer
grains, powders, tablets and empty capsules
from containers to process machines.
For more information, contact Jeff Sweeney,
UK National Sales Manager:
mail.uk@nilfisk.com
T +44 (0)1768 868995
www.nilfisk.com
VikingMašek
Global company, VikingMašek, develops
intelligent packaging technology in both
food and non-food markets. VikingMašek’s
machine portfolio offers a single customised
solution from simple VFFS machines,
product handling and turnkey packaging and
processing lines.
For more information, contact Lukas Masek,
Vice President:
lukas.masek@masek.cz
www.masek.cz
WAGO
ppma.co.uk
ukiva.org
bara.org.uk
ppma-group
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ppma-group
https://twitter.com/PPMA_Group
@PPMA_Group
PPMA TV
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW0hgEalJv1jSjjpf-eoJUA
Membership Relations
membership@ppma.co.uk
Robotics
and Drives
Robotics and Drives are a global robotics
solutions provider of custom high specification
robotic handling systems based in Ireland.
Supplying a range of both high speed
and lean robotic solution for all types of
applications – packaging, assembly, palletising,
manufacturing, loading, machining – they work
in all sectors: food & beverage, automotive,
medical device, logistics and pharmaceutical.
For more information, contact John Henry,
Global Business Development:
jhenry@rdservices.ie
T +353 (44)9333812
www.roboticsanddrives.ie
Since its establishment in 1951, WAGO has
pioneered multiple innovative connection
systems for both interconnection and
automation systems. WAGO employs over
7,000 people worldwide and is a leader in
spring pressure connection technology.
For more information, contact Paul
Witherington, UK Marketing Manager:
paul.witherington@wago.com
T +44 (0)1788 568008
www.wago..com
PPMA Show
scott.mckenna@ppma.co.uk
International Services
janette.lane@ppma.co.uk
Publishing and Advertising
david.chadd@ppma.co.uk
Marketing and PR
marketing@ppma.co.uk
PPMA BEST Charitable Trust
ppmabest@ppma.co.uk
Trescal
Trescal, international calibration specialist,
provides a range of services for the
test and measuring equipment market.
Supplementing the standard technical
services (verification, calibration and repair
of T&M instruments), Trescal offers expertise
for the implementation and acquisition
of measurement systems, customised
equipment pool management software
solutions, metrology and technical support.
For more information, contact Paul Mellon,
Business Development Manager:
paul.mellon@trescal.com
T +44 (0)7824 409235
www.trescal.com
Join today!
For a PPMA Group membership
pack contact
christine.jordan@ppma.co.uk
15 www.ppma.co.uk

Actively helping our
members through
services, tools and
initiatives to thrive in an
increasingly competitive
marketplace