The business, which sells directly to consumers, has transformed a manual operation into a high-speed production line. This upgrade addresses the current Christmas demand while simultaneously preparing for international expansion, thanks to the support of Made Smarter.
Made Smarter is a UK Government-backed initiative aimed at aiding manufacturing SMEs in adopting digital technologies. This program also focuses on developing essential leadership and skills necessary for sustainable growth within the food and beverage industry.
Scott Harasyn, the founder of Bubble Panda, launched the company from his kitchen table in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Today, he operates from an 8,000 sq ft facility, producing thousands of unique flavor combinations.
In the past two years, Made Smarter has assisted Bubble Panda in creating a digital roadmap, fostering a digital culture, and securing a £20,000 grant for a RotoFill reel-fed filling and sealing machine. Consequently, the business now operates two fully optimized production lines.
As a result, production time has decreased by over 80%, changeover downtime has dropped by 90%, and overall output has tripled. This automation has enabled staff to transition into roles focused on quality control, data analysis, and process optimization. Furthermore, waste has diminished, enhancing sustainability performance.
Bubble Panda has also advanced new product ideas and partnerships, including a collaboration with Swizzels, a confectioner based in Derbyshire.
Harasyn stated that without the digital transformation, Bubble Panda would not have managed this year’s seasonal surge.
“Without automation we would never have been able to keep up,” he remarked. “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.”
Made Smarter facilitated Bubble Panda’s introduction to NERIC (the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre) at the University of Salford.
NERIC’s technology consultants restored a malfunctioning taping machine and tripled its output overnight. They designed and tested a dual-robot pick-and-place cell capable of handling tubs in four-second cycles, integrated advanced vision systems for seal inspection, and mapped future automation options across production.
Donna Edwards, managing director of the Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme, commented: “Bubble Panda is the perfect example of how a small manufacturer can take bold steps with the right support behind them. Scott recognized that digital transformation was essential, engaged with our experts, and the results speak for themselves.”
Tabs Khojani, business development manager at NERIC, noted: “It’s fantastic to see the outcome of such a strong partnership between NERIC and Made Smarter to help SMEs unlock the funding, support, and technology they need to grow. We believe that robotics and automation are essential for the future of UK manufacturing. Bubble Panda is a brilliant example of what happens when manufacturers tap into the support available across the region.”
Since its inception in the North West, Made Smarter has aided over 2,300 manufacturers, executing more than 400 technology projects expected to create nearly 2,000 new jobs. Additionally, the initiative aims to upskill almost 3,500 existing roles and contribute £287 million to the regional economy
