A fast-growing bubble tea kit manufacturer, Bubble Panda, is on track to achieve record-breaking Black Friday and Christmas sales, thanks to a substantial digital transformation backed by Made Smarter. Known for its DIY bubble tea kits sold directly to consumers, Bubble Panda is experiencing soaring demand as the festive season approaches.
The year 2025 marks a significant shift in Bubble Panda’s operations. Previously, the team struggled to keep up with seasonal demand, often scrambling to fulfill orders. However, with recent investments in cutting-edge automation, the Manchester-based company has transformed its manual processes into a high-speed production line. This change not only prepares them for the bustling Christmas rush but also sets the stage for international expansion.
Scott Harasyn, the founder of Bubble Panda, highlights the importance of this digital overhaul. “Black Friday and Christmas have always been significant periods for us, but this year, the demand reached unprecedented levels,” he said. He added, “Without automation, we wouldn’t have been able to meet consumer needs. Made Smarter has completely transformed how we operate. The support, partnerships, and technology have instilled in us the confidence and capacity to grow and innovate.”
Scott launched Bubble Panda in 2020 from his kitchen table during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fast forward to now, and the company operates from an 8,000 sq ft facility with the ability to produce thousands of flavour combinations. Over the past two years, Made Smarter has assisted Bubble Panda in creating a digital roadmap, fostering a digital culture through its Leading Digital Transformation programme, and even securing a £20,000 grant to purchase a RotoFill reel-fed filling and sealing machine. The immediate benefits of these upgrades have been remarkable.
Production time has decreased by more than 80%, changeover downtime has plummeted by 90%, and overall output has tripled. Scott now manages two fully optimized production lines, providing the resilience needed to handle peak-season demand without compromising on quality.
With manual bottlenecks eliminated, Bubble Panda can now focus on advancing new product ideas and partnerships. A recent collaboration with Derbyshire-based confectioner Swizzels has led to a successful limited-edition range that has propelled sales even further.
The automation investment has also allowed team members to transition into roles concentrated on quality control, data analysis, and process optimization. This shift has contributed to reduced waste and improved sustainability performance. Following the successful implementation of automated systems, Made Smarter introduced Bubble Panda to NERIC (the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre) at the University of Salford for additional automation support.
NERIC’s technology consultants quickly made significant improvements. They restored a previously malfunctioning taping machine, tripling its output overnight, as well as designing and testing a dual-robot pick-and-place cell capable of rapidly handling tubs. They have also integrated advanced vision systems for seal inspection, enhancing accuracy and repeatability, and outlined future automation prospects across the production line.
This collective expertise has provided Bubble Panda with a scalable growth blueprint for 2026, including pathways for international fulfillment. Donna Edwards, Managing Director of the Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme, remarked, “Bubble Panda is a stellar example of how a small manufacturer can take bold steps with the right support. Scott recognized the necessity for digital transformation and engaged our experts, leading to impressive results.”
Tabs Khojani, a Business Development Manager at NERIC, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The partnership between NERIC and Made Smarter illustrates how essential robotics and automation are for the future of UK manufacturing. Bubble Panda exemplifies the success that can come when manufacturers leverage regional support and resources.”
Since its launch in 2019, Made Smarter has been instrumental in guiding manufacturing SMEs toward embracing digital technologies while cultivating the necessary leadership and skills for sustainable growth. Engaging with over 2,300 manufacturers in the North West alone, Made Smarter has facilitated more than 400 technology projects, promoting the creation of nearly 2,000 new jobs, upskilling around 3,500 existing roles, and injecting an impressive £287 million into the regional economy.