Oldham Plastics Firm Heyside Group Embraces Robotics with Major Support Package
A prominent plastics manufacturer in Oldham is embarking on a significant transformation, investing heavily in robotics and advanced tooling with substantial backing from Greater Manchester business support organizations. Heyside Group, which specializes in PVC injection-moulded products, processes approximately 300 tonnes of recycled plastic weekly to supply the traffic management, utilities, and infrastructure sectors.
Modernization Drive to Boost Capacity and Revenue
The company's ongoing modernization program represents a strategic shift away from manual manufacturing methods. Management has directed investments toward robotics, sophisticated tooling, digital systems, and automated processes. This comprehensive overhaul is designed to enhance competitiveness while unlocking new market opportunities both domestically and internationally.
Company executives project that this initiative could expand production capacity by up to 60%. Furthermore, they anticipate generating approximately £4.8 million in additional revenue as the business penetrates new markets and strengthens its operational capabilities.
Comprehensive Support from Greater Manchester Ecosystem
The transformation has been facilitated through extensive support from the GM Business Growth Hub, which provided access to multiple specialized resources. This included Made Smarter expertise for digital adoption, technical assurance from the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC), materials innovation guidance from CEAMS, and decarbonisation advice from the Green Economy team.
Additionally, the Growth Hub assisted Heyside in securing a £500,000 loan from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). This funding has supported investments in robotic paint-spraying systems, new tooling, conveyor upgrades, and two Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with Lancaster University and the University of Salford.
Leadership Perspectives on the Transformation
Matt Pryce, Managing Director at Heyside Group, emphasized the crucial role of external support. "The Growth Hub's assistance has been instrumental in our transition from traditional manufacturing to a modern, automated factory environment," he stated. "From robotics implementation to materials research, the guidance and connections we've received have accelerated our progress and fortified our position for future growth. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead as we continue scaling our capabilities."
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, praised the company's efforts. "Heyside Group's transformation showcases the strength of Greater Manchester's business support network. Their dedication to innovation and modernization illustrates how manufacturers can adopt advanced technologies to grow sustainably and competitively. The council takes pride in supporting this progress and looks forward to witnessing their continued development."
Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub, highlighted Heyside as a model for regional manufacturing advancement. "Heyside is emerging as a standout example of innovation-led manufacturing growth in Greater Manchester," she remarked. "By connecting the business to appropriate expertise at critical junctures—from digital adoption to robotics, research partnerships, and funding—we've helped establish a pathway toward long-term competitiveness and new market prospects. Their advancement demonstrates what becomes achievable when ambition aligns with coordinated support."
