CenFRA makes exhibition debut at PPMA

CenFRA, Europe's first robotics and automation centre for the food and beverage industry, will launch itself onto the UK platform when it makes its exhibition premier in September at the PPMA show

During the exhibition, this Doncaster based 'not for profit' company will be running continual automation DVDs showcasing some of the companies who have already benefited from CenFRA help, such as the Black Sheep Brewery, and Greggs the bakers.

The exhibition stand will be staffed by senior CenFRA personnel who will be on hand to discuss what support and guidance they can offer to those attending the show.

Long term sustainability of the food and beverage industry is vital to the UK economy, which CenFRA says can only be achieved through sustained investment.

Therefore a key message that CenFRA, the Centre For Food Robotics and Automation, will be conveying during the show is that investment in robotics and automation for the food industry is now affordable and can cost as little as GBP20,000, with a short pay back time.

A key part of the CenFRA work involves providing robotics and automation audits to those involved in the food and beverage sectors to help UK producers retain a competitive edge.

For companies based in the north of England these audits are often free and for firms located elsewhere a small fee applies.

Those attending the PPMA show interested in an audit should contact CenFRA stand personnel for more information.

Companies wishing to take the report further have the option of subsequent project management work from CenFRA including if appropriate help with the development of a fully customised solution.

Commenting, CenFRA commercial development engineer, David Cheeseman, who will be attending the four day show, said: "The aim of CenFRA is to help the UK food and beverage sectors become more sustainable over the long term.

The overall UK level of investment in robotics and automation within food and beverage is one of the lowest in Europe, which must be addressed if these sectors are to thrive".

This impartial, production focused advice is at the core of what CenFRA provides.

The company is totally independent of robotic manufacturers and whilst the auditing staff are engineering trained, CenFRA is also involved in industrial collaboration with a variety of academic institutions including the University of Salford.

CenFRA was launched in May of this year and has a combined investment of GBP1.8million.

Its principal funder is Yorkshire Forward along with some additional financial support from the development agencies in the North West and North East, aptly named the Northern Way.

CenFRA will be at PPMA at the NEC, on Stand G50, from September 29 - October 2nd 2008.

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