Case study - Molygran

Molygran is a family-owned business with over 45 years of expertise in producing high-quality expanded polystyrene (EPS) products for packaging, design & display, and construction.

The company is committed to sustainability, offering packaging with up to 100% recycled content and providing a free EPS recycling service to local businesses and individuals.

In July 2024, Molygran began working with Innovate UK Business Growth to overcome operational challenges and unlock new growth opportunities.

Senior Innovation and Growth Specialist Tracy Eyres supported them by:

• Connecting them with NERIC to explore automation opportunities. NERIC funded research to map out what systems would enable them to grow the business and add more products and services.
• Connecting them with GMCA to explore the GM Advance Fund and supporting with the application.
• Working with NEG to conduct market research and identify local connections.
• Completing an expression of interest for the Design for Growth service that was successful in June 25.

With Tracy’s support Molygran secured a £395K GM Advance Fund loan to modernise its operations, enabling them to upgrade outdated software, modify machinery, purchase a new compactor, and complete long-unused factory space.

By participating in Manchester Metropolitan University’s Eco-I programme Molygran built on its carbon-neutral target credentials and determined ideas for new market opportunities. The Design for Growth (DFG) programme, has defined and refined the launch plans for these.

Molygran is now poised for significant growth, with plans to expand into new markets, create jobs, and continue innovating in EPS manufacturing. A major customer order has already been secured, even before internal upgrades are complete.

Molygran is now in the process of redesigning its whole marketing strategy to align with its sustainability focus and connect with some of the markets identified in the DFG programme. As demand for sustainable construction materials rises, Molygran is also championing the benefits of EPS an energy-efficient, recyclable material that supports low-carbon building practices.

By aligning its operations with environmental priorities and leveraging advanced technologies, Molygran is future-proofing its business while also contributing to a greener, more resilient construction industry across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Keith Fairhurst, Managing Director of Molygran, said: "Innovate UK Business Growth has enabled us to create pipe dreams and turn them into reality. The support we’ve received over a wide range of areas has tested us and enabled a new service offering to be developed that highlights the exceptional sustainability properties of polystyrene (EPS). We were then pointed towards funding aimed specifically at SMEs like us and support that guided us to make plans for the launch. Tracy understands our business and its direction, giving guidance as required, overall, a wonderful service."