
The UK Sheet Plant Association (SPA) is thrilled to announce its 110th Conference, taking place on Monday, 3rd February 2025, at Staverton Park Hotel and Golf Club, Daventry. This milestone event marks the SPA’s 40th anniversary and features the theme “What Comes Next?” - reflecting on four decades of the sheet plant industry while looking ahead to future innovations and challenges.
SPA Supplier Showcase Returns to Conference
As part of the conference agenda, the SPA is hosting its 2nd Supplier Showcase, focusing primarily on new SPA Supplier Members. This tabletop "Supplier Showcase Walkaround" offers delegates a unique opportunity to engage directly with suppliers, discover the latest innovations, and network with industry peers. Dedicated agenda time ensures sheet plant owners and managers can fully benefit from this valuable learning and networking experience. Participating suppliers include:
- Amtech Software
- Bahmueller GmbH
- BIM Kemi
- Draychem Ltd
- Excelerate Ltd
- Friedheim International
- Laserclean BV
- Leadedge Flexo Ltd
- M&K Trading Ltd
- Mansfield Board Machinery Ltd
- Packitoo
- Techlan Ltd
- Valmet Ltd
Agenda Highlights
Headlining the conference is Bernard Marr, internationally renowned best-selling author, futurist, and strategic advisor to global companies and governments. His inspirational keynote will provide invaluable insights into the intersection of business, technology, and future trends.
The industry keynote comes from Dr. Sabri Çimen, CEO of Shotton Mill, who will deliver an exclusive overview of the £1 billion Shotton Mill development project, exploring its transformative impact on the containerboard market.
Other key presentations include:
- Frauke Schmidt, EUWID: European Paper Market Update
- Neil Osment, NOA Ltd: UK Corrugated Market Update
- GenY and GenZ Discussion Panel
Following the Supplier Showcase Walkaround, Steve Gabell, SPA Committee Member, will moderate a unique discussion panel featuring GenY and GenZ members of the industry. This panel flips the script, inviting younger voices to mentor senior members on how to attract and retain the next generation of talent in the corrugated cardboard conversion sector.
Open to Non-Members
The SPA invites non-members to attend this special 40th-anniversary conference on a “Try Before You Buy” basis. For the delegate cost alone, non-members can experience one SPA Conference before committing to annual membership. Full details of Try Before You Buy are available on the SPA website.
Acknowledgments
The SPA is proud to recognise the generous support of its sponsors:
- Smurfit Westrock Sheetfeeding – 2025 Ruby Sponsor for all SPA Conferences
- Abaca and Kiwiplan, part of the Advantive Companies – Sponsor of Bernard Marr’s keynote address
- Sun Automation Group and WH Leary – Conference Co-Sponsors
The SPA Committee remains dedicated to making SPA Conferences professional, well-attended events that deliver unparalleled opportunities for information sharing and networking within the corrugated sheet plant sector.