published on 25/08/09
The PPMA has joined forces with the British Automation and Robotics Association (BARA) to help promote the use of robotics in the packaging supply chain.
Processing and Packaging Manufacturing Association chief executive Chris Buxton said that as robotics had matured they had become more adept at 'sophisticated, high-speed applications' in markets such as pharmaceuticals and food. He added that “changes have occurred within the food and beverage industry in the last twelve months an example being that more companies are outsourcing their engineering side and changes are always welcome. Also it is particularly important in the current difficult environment that the automation message is spread to as many people in the industry as possible”
'Now robotics meet the stringent requirements of the sectors in terms of cleanliness and accuracy,' he said.
'It gives us a real opportunity to address the technical, commercial and environmental challenges faced by industry,' he said.
BARA will retain its separate identity as a subgroup of the PPMA. BARA president Mike Wilson said: 'It is particularly important in the current difficult environment that the automation message is spread to as many people in the industry as possible.'

Read the full article at Packagingnews.co.uk