Close×

Trade show CeMAT Australia 2024, held from 23-25 July at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, provided a prominent platform for the latest advancements in intralogistics, robotics, automation, warehousing, and supply chain management. The event gathered key industry players, including Australian Packaging & Processing  Machinery Association (APPMA) members who presented their technologies.

APPMA CEO Michael Moran and marketing manager Denni Egan
APPMA CEO Michael Moran and marketing manager Denni Egan

APPMA was well represented with members Abbe, Axelent, Ferag, ifm efector, NHP Electrical Engineering Products, Scott, Selpak, Sick, Toyota Material Handling, Visy Technology Systems, and Wipotec exhibiting. Additionally, APPMA CEO Michael Moran and marketing manager Denni Egan were present, supporting the members and engaging with industry stakeholders.

Abbe

Making its first appearance at CeMAT, Abbe exhibited locally manufactured sustainable warehouse and picking solutions, cardboard packaging and its latest in packaging automation, the CMC Genesys.

Company marketing support and events manager Paula Moussa reports Abbe enjoyed "an extremely positive response from both exhibitors (who we partner with) and delegates", with the show delivering "above and beyond expectations". 

Abbe: CeMAT delivered above and beyond expectations.
Abbe: CeMAT delivered above and beyond expectations.

Axelent Australia

Axelent Australia's showcase took the form of a shipping container display designed to outline the company's modular industrial safety solutions. The display featured the latest addition to the X-Product impact protection range, including a new floor barrier aimed at safeguarding building perimeters from low-height impacts.

A shipping container display designed to outline its modular industrial safety solutions.
Abbie Haouchar and Drew Hoxey in the versatile, reusable, Axelent display.

The stand also displayed a robust impact protection barrier, bollards, and various machine guarding solutions, including a slide-swing mesh guarding door and a cable basket tray integrated with their X-Guard system.

Drew Hoxey, managing director of Axelent Australia, commented, “Everyone deserves to work in a safe, functional and effective management, because everyone deserves to come home safe from work.”

According to Axelent, visitor response to the exhibit was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing amazement at the integration and modularity of the products. The display also allowed existing clients to see Axelent’s latest innovations.

Axelent Australia has been a regular participant at CeMAT for the past decade. The company's ongoing involvement underscores their commitment to promoting workplace safety in the warehousing industry. According to Safe Work Australia, there have been significant worker fatalities in the sector, highlighting the importance of Axelent’s safety solutions.

Reflecting on whether the show lived up to expectations, Hoxey noted, “It definitely did. We had some knowledge-packed and insightful conversations with industry leaders and workers. We discussed the importance of safety and what it meant to them as a business also.”

SICK

SICK's New Ident Gate system
SICK's New Ident Gate system

SICK exhibited its New Ident Gate system, designed for automatic identification and control of inbound and outbound goods at loading docks, which integrates with ERP and WMS systems. Another highlight was their DWS (Dimensioning, Weighing, and Scanning) track and trace system, which efficiently manages large objects and pallets travelling through a conveyor.

SICK says its offerings were well-received by visitors, who found the solutions innovative, easy to implement, and cost-effective.

As a long-time exhibitor at CeMAT, SICK appreciated the event's alternating locations, which help it reach customers across major cities. The company confirmed that the show met its expectations, providing valuable opportunities to engage with the industry.

For Abbe, Axelent Australia and SICK, CeMAT 2024 reinforced their positions as leaders in packaging, safety and automation technology, demonstrating their commitment to advancing industry standards and addressing critical needs in logistics and warehousing.

For the CeMAT and Industrial Transformation Exhibition 2025, taking place on 22-24 July in Sydney, APPMA has teamed up with show organiser Hannover Fairs Australia, and will be hosting a Processing & Packaging Pavilion open to member and non-member participation. The pavilion will showcase leading manufacturers, distributors and importers of packaging and processing machinery who are advancing their businesses through innovation and digitalisation. For companies interested in participating, reach out to Denni Egan at denni@appma.com.au

Food & Drink Business

Throughout the food and beverage sector, there is an increasing focus on making operations more sustainable, efficient, equitable, nutritious, and profitable. Rockwell Automation ANZ food and beverage industry lead, Glen Jacob, looks at the unique opportunities alternative protein manufacturers have to implement systems today for maximum impact in the future.  

The Lockyer Valley Fruit & Vegetable Processing Company (Lockyer Valley Foods) says its $50 million Series A funding round will kickstart construction of Australia’s first fruit and vegetable processing facility in 80 years.

The food and beverage industries turned in a stellar sales performance in Q3, amid signs of firming confidence, according to data from inventory management software provider Unleashed.