Foodtech saw a large number of people through the doors, with some great speeches made about how important it is for both SMEs and multi-nationals to start digitising.
Lione Wong from Siemens gave an address and explained how SMEs can digitise their operations and save money. Meanwhile Tim McLean from TXM gave insights as to why companies within the food and beverage industry need to start making changes themselves before outside influences do it for them, citing how Uber disrupted the taxi industry.
Exhibitors were also very happy with the day events. Chris Little, director at HRS Process Solutions said that main reason they are at the exhibition is to grow their business. “We are relatively new business and these types of shows are a great way to get exposure in a short space of time, either current clients or new ones.”
Jason Forrester from Nord Drivesystems was there for similar reasons. “We’re here to get more contacts with the food and beverage industry and to get our products more well know within the industry.”
Tye Jackson from APS was pushing the companies 18-month partnership with digitisation specialist Siemens, where they had a joint stand. “I think it’s great to be here with Siemens where we can show our automation and products,” said Jackson . “We’re only a young company and we’ve gone from 35 staff up to 85 staff over that time. We are getting a second distribution centre for Australia in Brisbane. I think the industry – for us anyway – is buoyant at the moment. We’ve almost grown 300 per cent, which is good. I see the food and beverage industry growing, but they need to get a bit more into Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things.