GM Business Growth Hub backs transformation at Oldham business

A plastics manufacturer is hoping to grow capacity by up to 60% after investing in robotics and advanced tooling with the backing of Greater Manchester business support bodies.

Heyside Group, of Oldham, makes PVC injection‑moulded products and processes some 300 tonnes of recycled plastic per week to create products for the traffic management, utilities and infrastructure sectors.

Its ongoing modernisation programme has seen it move away from manual manufacturing with bosses investing in robotics, advanced tooling, digital systems and automated processes. Managers say the move will help it to stay competitive while opening new market opportunities in the UK and beyond. They estimate the project could help grow capacity by 60% and could help the business unlock some £4.8m in additional revenue as it enters new markets.

The business has been supported by the GM Business Growth Hub, which helped bosses access Made Smarter expertise and digital internships, technical assurance from the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC), materials‑innovation support from CEAMS and decarbonisation guidance from the Green Economy team.

The Growth Hub also connected Heyside to a £500,000 GMCA loan that has backed the firm’s investment in robotic paint‑spraying systems, new tooling and conveyor upgrades – and two Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with Lancaster University and the University of Salford.

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.”

Cllr 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’ve helped create a pathway to long-term competitiveness and new market opportunities. Their progress shows what’s possible when ambition is matched with coordinated support.”