SDUK continues learning journey at PTIC

Pic.Supporting lifelong industry learning, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Managing Director Dave Raine (L) presents PTIC centre manager Andrew Baker (R) with a new IntElect machine

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UK has arranged for the Polymer Training & Innovation Centre (PTIC) in Telford to temporarily host students from its award-winning training academy during the development of a new facility. This initiative aims to enhance access to the company’s highly regarded injection moulding and processing training programme, extending its reach to more learners and fostering increased cross-industry collaboration.

As of September 2025, all industry professionals and students undertaking courses and workshops hosted by PTIC will have the opportunity to gain practical and impartial technical injection moulding training from beginner to advanced level. To ensure that their skills are future proof, delegates will be able to complete practical assignments using one of the latest OPC UA-connected IntElect machines.  

Alongside core digital tools like activeMeltControl and activeFlowBalance, the new installation enables participants to explore the latest drive technologies. Additionally, having OPC UA connectivity will enable learners to experiment with pushing the digital boundaries of modern injection moulding machinery.

The collaborative framework between Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and PTIC gives learners a taste of the future and how smarter technologies will interact together, highlights Head of Sales Ashlee Gough.  “By showcasing the critical differences between hydraulic and all-electric machine features and sharing with course delegates practical experiences, we aim to boost machine-user confidence and support a culture of lifelong learning. Interactive learning is an important part of this. Particularly in regard to OPC UA connectivity and the development of higher cognitive skills.”

Installed by PTIC over the summer, the IntElect 130-ton machine provides learners with first-hand experience of the measurable benefits of optimisation techniques. From energy savings and reduced waste to productivity gains and valuable time efficiencies, delegates will gain the skills needed to support their career progression. Capable of producing both high-precision healthcare components, such as pipette tips and microfluidic devices, as well as fast-cycle packaging, this flexible machine is the ultimate all-rounder for showcasing practical techniques to optimise technical knowledge.

Being such long-term advocates of learning and development, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UK wants to continue this journey in collaboration with other academics and industry counterparts building upon the dedicated Academy successes. “We want to ensure that customers can continue to access impartial and process-specific learning experiences. PTIC aligns with our high training standards and ensures learning continuity for existing delegates on the Academy programme yet also extends learning and development access to the entire industry,” adds Ashlee.

Strong ties to Wolverhampton College further increase accessibility, supporting learners at every level. This all helps to bridge the skills gap and foster a more adaptable, resilient workforce, notes Ashlee. 

Due to similarities in curricula and teaching methods, participants currently enrolled at SDUK Academy can move into PTIC’s programme while the company establishes its new training facility. This arrangement also enables delegates to work with and learn from expert

instructors from both institutions, access additional training resources, and participate in networking activities including peer mentorship across different age groups.

Looking ahead, SDUK plans to develop with other PTIC partners the first fully connected system featuring all training peripheries in an educational setting in the UK and Ireland. This milestone will create an inclusive platform for future innovation, knowledge-sharing, long-term industry growth and resilience.

About               

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery UK Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, Germany, established in 1956. Sumitomo (SHI)) Demag specialises in the production of electric, hybrid and servo hydraulic injection moulding machines with clamping forces between 500 kN and 15,000 kN. With more than 157,000 machines installed worldwide, over 80,000 of which are full electric, we supply machines to all sectors, including automotive, packaging, electric/electronic, medical and pharmaceutical, building products and leisure, and assist injection moulders to meet their energy management, quality assurance, lean manufacturing and strategic productivity goals. The company’s UK and Ireland business delivers world-class service and support to more than 400 customers, supporting in excess of 1,800 injection moulding machines.  Our UK-based Training programme is IOM3-accredited and won Best Training & Development Programme at the Plastic Industry Awards 2023. In 2024, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag won the PIA Supplier Partnership – Injection Moulding category for its local customisation approach to fast-track delivery on multiple factory-tested OPC UA-connected IntElect machines integrated with automation and periphery equipment.