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Minister for Trade and Investment Lord Digby Jones of Birmingham praised the quality and innovation of British firms at the opening of the Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA) Show today (30 September).

Lord Jones opened the event, which runs alongside Interplas, the exhibition for the plastics and rubber sector, this morning at the Birmingham NEC.

He said: "The world economy is facing the twin challenges of the financial crisis and globalisation. Exhibitors like these show how British firms are tackling these challenges head on."

Lord Jones also praised the commitment to training and R&D and environmental awareness demonstrated by the firms, which he said was "vital for the future of British manufacturing".

Chris Buxton, chief executive of PPMA, said that technical innovation is emerging as a strong theme across both shows.

 "We have a strong skills base in the UK, and the added value that this can bring to new product development is a key factor in businesses being able to compete effectively in the world market," said Buxton.

More than 360 exhibitors will be showing packaging machinery and products for the food and drink, household products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals sectors at the show, which is in its 21st year.

The PPMA Show and Interplas will run at the NEC from 30 September to 2 October.