Made Smarter-backed automation is helping Bubble Panda achieve record-breaking sales this festive season.
The North West technology adoption program is playing a crucial role in the digital transformation of this Manchester manufacturer.
A rapidly growing bubble tea kit manufacturer based in Manchester is set to hit record sales this Black Friday and Christmas, thanks to a significant digital overhaul supported by Made Smarter.
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Bubble Panda, known for its DIY bubble tea kits sold directly to consumers, has seen a remarkable surge in demand as the holiday season approaches. Unlike previous years when operational constraints held them back, 2025 has been a game-changer due to their investment in cutting-edge automation technology.
With the help of the government-funded Made Smarter North West adoption program, the company has shifted from a mostly manual production process to a fast-paced automated system. This transformation has allowed Bubble Panda to effectively handle the seasonal rush while also paving the way for future international growth.
Founder Scott Harasyn expressed that without this digital transformation, the business would have struggled to manage the seasonal spike.
“Black Friday and Christmas have always been significant for us, but this year the demand has reached new heights,” he shared. “Without automation, we simply wouldn’t have been able to keep pace. Made Smarter has completely changed the way we operate. The support, partnerships, and technology have empowered us to grow, innovate, and expand globally.”
Scott started Bubble Panda from his kitchen table in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the business operates out of an 8,000 sq ft production facility, crafting thousands of flavor combinations.
Over the last two years, Made Smarter has assisted Bubble Panda in creating a clear digital strategy, fostering a digital-first culture through its Leading Digital Transformation program, and securing a £20,000 grant to purchase a RotoFill reel-fed filling and sealing machine.
The impact has been both immediate and significant. Production times have plummeted by over 80%, changeover downtime has dropped by an impressive 90%, and overall output has skyrocketed, tripling in size. Now, the business runs two fully optimized production lines, giving it the flexibility to handle peak demand while still upholding quality standards.
By eliminating manual bottlenecks, Bubble Panda has sped up product development and forged strategic partnerships. One notable collaboration with Derbyshire-based confectioner Swizzels led to a successful limited-edition range that boosted sales.
Thanks to automation, employees have been able to move into more valuable roles, such as quality control, data analysis, and process optimization. This shift has not only reduced waste but also enhanced sustainability performance.
After the successful installation, Made Smarter connected Bubble Panda with the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) at the University of Salford for advanced automation support. NERIC consultants revived a previously malfunctioning taping machine, tripling its output overnight. They also designed and tested a dual-robot pick-and-place cell that operates on four-second cycles, integrated advanced vision systems to enhance seal inspection accuracy and consistency, and developed a comprehensive automation plan for the entire production process.
This initiative has given Bubble Panda a scalable growth blueprint for 2026, including plans for international fulfillment.
Donna Edwards, the Managing Director of the Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme, shared her thoughts: “Bubble Panda is a shining example of how a small manufacturer can make bold moves with the right support. Scott understood that embracing digital transformation was crucial, collaborated with our experts, and the results are truly impressive.”
Tabs Khojani, the Business Development Manager at NERIC, added: “It’s amazing to witness the success of such a strong partnership between NERIC and Made Smarter, helping SMEs access the funding, support, and technology they need to thrive. We both believe that robotics and automation are vital for the future of UK manufacturing. Bubble Panda perfectly illustrates what can happen when manufacturers leverage the support available in our region.”
Since its launch in 2019, Made Smarter has been a UK Government-backed initiative aimed at assisting manufacturing SMEs in adopting digital technologies while also enhancing leadership skills and capabilities for sustainable growth.
In the North West alone, Made Smarter has engaged with over 2,300 manufacturers, completed more than 400 technology projects, and is projected to create nearly 2,000 new jobs, upskill around 3,500 existing positions, and contribute an impressive £287 million to the regional economy.
To learn more, visit madesmarter.uk.
