A fast-growing UK manufacturer of bubble tea kits, Bubble Panda, has revolutionised its production process with support from the Made Smarter North West programme. This transformation has converted a previously manual operation into a resilient, high-speed automated system, positioning the company for record-breaking Black Friday and Christmas sales in 2025.
Previously, Bubble Panda, based in Manchester, faced challenges in meeting high festive demand. However, the strategic shift to automation has enabled the business to efficiently navigate seasonal spikes. Founder Scott Harasyn emphasised the critical role automation played in managing this year’s exponential demand, stating, “Made Smarter has completely transformed how we operate. The support, the partnerships, and the technology have given us the confidence and capacity to grow, innovate, and expand internationally.”
Over the past two years, the Made Smarter North West programme has provided vital support, including a digital roadmap and a £20,000 grant for a state-of-the-art RotoFill reel-fed filling and sealing machine. The impact was immediate: production time decreased by over 80%, downtime during changeovers fell by 90%, and overall output tripled.
Bubble Panda now operates two fully optimised production lines, ensuring resilience during peak demand without sacrificing quality. Automation has eliminated manual bottlenecks, allowing the company to explore new product innovations, such as a successful collaboration with confectioner Swizzels. Furthermore, staff have transitioned to higher-value roles focused on quality control, data analysis, and process optimisation, enhancing sustainability and reducing waste.
Following the successful installation of the filling machine, Made Smarter facilitated a partnership with the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) at the University of Salford. NERIC’s consultants implemented advanced interventions, including restoring a taping machine and tripling its output, designing a dual-robot pick-and-place cell with four-second cycle times, and integrating vision systems for precise seal inspection.
This comprehensive intervention provides Bubble Panda with a scalable blueprint for rapid growth in 2026 and future international fulfilment pathways. Donna Edwards, managing director of the Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme, commended the company’s initiative, stating, “Bubble Panda is the perfect example of how a small manufacturer can take bold steps with the right support behind them.”
