Automate UK, the organisers of the PPMA Total Show, the UK’s biggest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision event, have hailed the show a great success, with exceptional feedback and significant advance bookings for 2026.
The event, which took place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 23-25 September, showcased more than 350 exhibitors and 1,500 brands, and played host to an extensive programme of seminars and expertise courtesy of guest speakers.
Scott McKenna, Chief Operating Officer at Automate UK, said he was thrilled with the response to the show: “Now in its 38th year, we were committed to making the PPMA Total Show® the best yet, and I think we succeeded in doing just that – we are absolutely delighted at the feedback we’ve received from exhibitors and visitors alike.
“The calibre of stands created by our exhibitors was superb, resulting in a thriving atmosphere and an environment packed with innovation and inspiration.
“The standout feature of the show was our newly designed theatres, which set the scene for our seminar schedule, live demonstration sessions from our Innovations Eleven exhibitors and keynote speakers.
“As anticipated, our keynote addresses from Priya Lakhani OBE, former Sainsburys CEO Mike Coupe, and Levi Roots were extremely well received, with standing room only for their sessions, while the diverse range of seminars we provided attracted a great deal of engagement from visitors.
“We were particularly pleased with the interest in our seminars on apprenticeships, as education and development are a huge part of what Automate UK are lobbying for and trying to drive forward.”
The event also incorporated the Automate UK Awards, which took place on the evening of 24 September and saw comedian Katherine Ryan and Irish supergroup Boyzlife entertain the audience, while recognising innovation and excellence achievements throughout the automation industry.
The ceremony saw Ishida Europe receive the Innovative Processing System accolade, Acrovision presented with the award for Innovative Vision Solution and Scayl awarded with the Innovative Packaging accolade. Fistram Pumps was named as the winner of the highly competitive Outstanding Customer Service award, while the Innovative Robotics/Automation Solution award was presented to Reeco.
Acrovision and Herma UK secured the Partnership of the Year award in recognition of their collaboration in delivering high-performance, reliable labelling and vision solutions.
In addition, Foenix Coding was awarded the Environmental Initiative of the Year for its direct carton printing technology, which eliminates materials from the value chain of a product, and Christian Pullen from Huxley Bertram Engineering was presented with the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award in recognition of his leadership potential, commitment to the sector, and positive impact in inspiring more young people to pursue careers within automation and manufacturing.
The ceremony also presented Albert Bradley, a highly skilled engineer and industry pioneer who retired this year at the age of 84 after 68 years in the packaging machinery business, with the lifetime achievement award.
Scott added: “Planning is now underway for the PPMA Show® 2026, with a significant number of bookings being taken from exhibitors on site.”
To book space for the PPMA Show 2026, please visit: https://www.ppmashow.co.uk/exhibit/stand-enquiry.