The greatest processing & packaging show

Warehousing and logistics will be among the variety of key sectors featured at the PPMA Total Show. Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC, the warehouse expo will be a vital event for personnel involved in the storage and movement of goods. It will be an ideal opportunity to learn about key developments and new approaches.

See the warehouse and logistics businesses set to exhibit at the warehouse trade show

From goods-in to goods-out and distribution to end users, warehousing and logistics systems are vital for all businesses handling materials. Modern systems enhance efficiency and reduce costs throughout national and international supply chains. The adoption of new technologies also boosts the speed and accuracy of operations, besides improving safety and energy efficiency. Businesses looking to become more competitive and profitable must keep track of the latest developments.

Warehouse operations begin with the unloading of goods. Forklifts and trucks are commonly used for the manual lifting of pallets and containers. However, control system advancements allow for the removal of operators from the loading bay environment. Semi-automated or fully automated unloading equipment, including self-guided platforms, can operate at higher speeds and without risk of injury to operators.

Checking, sorting and labelling equipment is used for the preparation of goods for onward transport to warehouse storage locations.

After unloading, the movement of warehouse goods can be managed by a WMS or an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). Goods will be moved quickly using physical means of transport such as trucks and conveyors.

Locations can be picked to optimise the use of warehouse space. The intelligent choice of locations will allow for first in, first out’ operation, ensuring the avoidance of problems associated with a ‘first in, last out’ approach.

Materials must flow efficiently to production areas in warehouses with integrated assembly lines. With the intelligent, data-driven movement of goods, assembly lines can operate at maximum efficiency.

Pick lists are a key tool in warehouse operations. Picking traditionally involved a print-off, ideally with accurate locations, assigned to a warehouse operative who would collect the goods from racks and bin locations. In automated systems, digital pick lists are sent to automated trucks which can select goods from any warehouse location, quickly and efficiently.

A WMS can also consolidate units, reducing transport and dispatch costs in the process. Dispatch accuracy is vital since errors can put complete warehouses on hold. Final quality and quantity checks at a staging area prepare goods for shipment, with individual packs combined and positioned for onward transport. 

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are designed to operate at floor levels and heights, all the way to the ceiling of a warehouse. High-rise systems with vertical storage minimise the use of space and can be controlled by touch pads or online. A single operator can control multiple lifting trucks.

Systems can also feature driverless trucks, which operate continuously, and automated pallet stackers, which operate at low and full height levels. Geo-navigation systems guide trucks and mobile equipment using laser sensors and 3D cameras. Altenatively, guidance systems may rely on below-floor cabling, guide rails and light reflectors. The movement of all trucks can be managed with optimum efficiency and minimal danger of collisions in systems where data is processed centrally.

ASRS can be designed for use with pallets, using high-speed forklifts with laser range finders and vibration control systems. Systems can also be designed for buckets, cartons and cases for small items and partly finished products.

An investment in ASRS can deliver greater efficiency, speed, safety, accuracy, durability and space optimisation.

Food processing equipment has revolutionised the food industry, making it easier and more efficient to produce food and keep up with demand. With new developments happening all the time, find out how the industry is evolving to continually keep up with demand.

For companies supplying food processing machinery, visit the PPMA Total Show exhibitor page and search through hundreds of machinery indexes.

Network with industry professionals

Make connections and meet some of the biggest names in the food processing industry. This gives you the opportunity to discuss industry news, trends, and innovations with like-minded professionals.

Being held from the 23rd to the 25th of September 2025 at Birmingham’s NEC Arena, the PPMA Total Show will feature a chemicals exhibition, with liquid filling machines, powder filling and general filling equipment on display.  Given the opportunity to explore various types of filling equipment, this will be an essential event for business owners and managers involved in packaging for food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, and other products.

Explore Filling Equipment Types at the Chemicals Trade Show

Filling machinery is key to packaging operations across a range of sectors. The PPMA Total Show will give visitors the opportunity to explore the latest filling equipment for rigid containers, such as bottles, cans, jars and cartons. New developments in flexible packaging such as stand-up pouches, bag-in-box sacks, and eco-friendly PET bags will also be on display at the chemicals exhibition.

PPMA members provide level-filling machines, weight-filling equipment and volumetric fillers suitable for use with different types of liquids, semi-liquids, powders and solid pieces. Technologies include vacuum filling, pressure filling and stuffing machines. Stand-alone equipment and complete form, fill, seal (FFS) packaging lines are among the options. There’s also the choice of fully-automatic, semi-automatic, and manual operation methods, with further options on technology for quality assurance and customised solutions. You can count on the PPMA members to provide the right solution for your next filling machine project.

The chemicals and capsule trade show will be ideal for connecting with filling equipment suppliers and discovering solutions for all sectors.

Chocolate has always been a popular confectionery choice, with eye-catching and interesting packaging needed to attract those with a sweet tooth. You can find out more by visiting the chocolate expo at the upcoming PPMA Total Show.

Explore the opportunities at the PPMA Show.

Companies supplying chocolate packaging are invited to visit the PPMA Total Show exhibitor page and review the 500+ machinery indexes.

Connect with industry experts at the chocolate exhibition

You can meet and connect with some of the biggest names at the chocolate exhibition. Take the opportunity to chat about industry news and insights with like-minded professionals.