John Rider, Managing Director, opened proceedings by talking about the company’s activities. LINPAC Materials Handling belongs to the LINPAC Group, which has global interests in materials handling and storage systems, as well as the manufacture of plastic food packaging and automotive parts.

LINPAC have a diverse range of customers spanning many industries including, Tesco, Ford, Marks & Spencer, Lever Fabergé and Crown, Cork & Seal.

The main driver for their business is the cost advantage RTP (Returnable Transit Packaging) brings to their customers, against the alternative of disposable or short-life packaging. However, as Gero Liotti, Head of RTP Consulting, discussed during his presentation, there are many other advantages a switch to RTP has brought to their customers including: · elimination of packaging waste

· greater product protection

· lower health and safety risks

· improved hygiene

· recycling benefits

· better control of assets

In order to support these claims, case studies were presented covering systems successfully implemented at customer sites including closure management, label, and merchandising systems.

John Rider then talked about their experiences in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), notably working with Marks & Spencer in the implementation of RFID within their business. After a most interesting tour of the plant, we had an excellent buffet lunch. Jeremy Browne thanked Andrée Sims for setting up and organising the event and gave a vote of thanks to John Rider and his team for a most interesting day. After an excellent buffet lunch we then departed.

LINPAC gave the impression of being a happy and focussed team with products which they really believe in. With environment being at the top of the European agenda I am sure they are right. We wish them lots of success in the future.

Jeremy Browne Northern Section Chairman