Oldham manufacturer accelerates shift to automated production with regional support

An Oldham manufacturer is expanding its use of robotics and digital systems as part of a major transformation aimed at boosting productivity and opening new markets.

Heyside Group, which produces PVC injection moulded products for the traffic management, utilities and infrastructure sectors, is modernising its production systems with the support of Greater Manchester’s business support network.

The company processes around 300 tonnes of recycled plastic each week and is moving away from traditional manual manufacturing methods towards robotics, automated processes and advanced tooling.

The transformation is being supported by organisations including GM Business Growth Hub, Manchester City Council, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Department for Business and Trade.

Through the Growth Hub, Heyside has accessed support programmes including Made Smarter digital expertise, technical assurance from the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre and materials innovation support from CEAMS. The company has also received decarbonisation advice from the Green Economy team.

Support has also included a £500000 loan from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to help fund new robotic paint spraying systems, upgraded conveyors and new tooling. The investment also supports two Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with Lancaster University and the University of Salford.

The company estimates the upgrades could increase production capacity by between 40 percent and 60 percent and generate up to £4.8 million in additional annual revenue by opening new markets.

As part of ongoing engagement with the business, managing director Matt Pryce and finance and transformation lead Garreth Brown hosted a visit to the site by Oldham Council leader Councillor Arooj Shah and GM Business Growth Hub director Janine Smith.

During the visit, company leaders outlined future plans including further robotics integration, export growth, new product development and work on sustainable materials such as recycled PVC pellets.

Matt Pryce, managing director at Heyside Group, said: “The Growth Hub’s support has been instrumental in helping us move from traditional manufacturing towards a modern, automated factory environment. From robotics to materials research, the guidance and connections we’ve received have accelerated our progress and strengthened our position for future growth. We are excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to scale our capabilities.”

Councillor Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: “Heyside Group’s transformation reflects the strength of Greater Manchester’s business support ecosystem. Their commitment to innovation and modernisation demonstrates how manufacturers can embrace advanced technologies to grow sustainably and competitively. The Council is proud to play a role in supporting this progress and looks forward to seeing the next phase of their development.”

Janine Smith, director of GM Business Growth Hub, said: “Heyside is becoming a standout example of innovation led manufacturing growth in Greater Manchester. By connecting the business to the right expertise at the right time from digital adoption to robotics, research partnerships and funding we have helped create a pathway to long term competitiveness and new market opportunities. Their progress shows what is possible when ambition is matched with coordinated support.”