Made in Yorkshire at Labman Automation: A Factory Tour Fueled by Curiosity
Made in Yorkshire at Labman Automation: A Factory Tour Fueled by Curiosity
Nestled in the countryside just outside Stokesley, North Yorkshire, Labman Automation is anything but rural in its ambitions. A global leader in bespoke automation systems for laboratories and industrial processes, Labman combines engineering precision with a playful, human-centred approach to innovation. On a fresh spring morning, members of the Made in Yorkshire community were invited inside this unique world for a factory tour like no other.
The morning began with breakfast and relaxed networking, where members shared ideas over coffee before the official welcome. It set the tone for an energised, open-minded day ahead.
Made in Yorkshire and Made in the Midlands members connect over breakfast ahead of the factory tour.
Welcome and Wisdom: How Labman Found Its Rhythm
The day kicked off with a welcome from Made in Group Director Ilona Pitt, followed by a talk from Labman’s founder Andrew Whitwell, who offered a candid and humorous take on the company’s early days. From tackling early projects with a hands-on, learn-as-you-go approach to being known for his relentless persistence and problem-solving mindset, Andrew’s reflections painted a picture of a culture where experimentation is encouraged—even if it looks silly at first.
“Support ideas, even the bad ones. They’ll grow into something real.”
Andrew spoke with energy and unfiltered honesty about what it takes to run a business where creativity, kindness and commercial value can all coexist. He shared that Labman was never built with a rigid plan, but rather grew from momentum, openness to opportunity, and a deep belief in empowering people to figure things out themselves.
“Good ideas don’t always arrive fully formed. You spot a glimmer of something, and you chase it until it works—or morphs into something better.”
He also underlined the value of learning through failure and the importance of leadership rooted in empathy and enthusiasm:
“Lead by humour, by trust, by excitement. If it doesn’t feel like fun, you’re probably doing it wrong.”
That mindset continues to shape Labman’s philosophy: trust your people, make it fun, and don’t be afraid to go off-script.
Andrew Whitwell opens the day with an honest and inspiring welcome.
Factory Tour, Lab Work, and Technical Capabilities
Guests were split into small groups to explore Labman’s vibrant facility and witness how projects come to life. A strong focus of the tour was Labman’s extensive lab-based capabilities, particularly its ability to build fully custom automated systems for complex, sensitive tasks. These included machines for solid and liquid handling, high-precision dosing, formulation, sample preparation, and validation—often used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, and energy research settings.
Guests saw how Labman’s engineers develop everything in-house, from bespoke mechanical modules to PLCs, software interfaces, and testing rigs. The team described how systems are designed to support precise chemical handling, simulate demanding lab environments, and automate tasks that traditionally require skilled technicians.
One particularly memorable project was a robot that applies mascara to fake lashes—used to verify multi-million-pound marketing claims. While it wasn’t on display during the tour, it was referenced as a standout example of Labman’s ability to deliver quirky yet high-value automation—and systems built for controlled lab environments where accurate dosing, interaction simulation, and testing conditions must be carefully maintained. A further project was a machine that tests shampoo formulations by simulating how users interact with products under various physical conditions—illustrating Labman's flair for blending precision engineering with real-world usability testing. Also on display was a fully automated storage and handling unit designed for eggs used in fertility treatments—built to maintain the correct tilt and positioning, ensuring gentle movement and precise monitoring throughout the process. It showcased Labman’s ability to engineer with exceptional care and customisation for life science applications. Every machine is built from the ground up with full vertical integration: from machining and welding to electronics, coding, and customer training.
Members of Made in Yorkshire and Made in the Midlands explore Labman’s unique facility during the guided tour.
The Inventathon: Where Curiosity Meets Collaboration
In true Labman style, the morning included an interactive group challenge: the Inventathon. Attendees were handed two blocks, paper clips, and a single grape—and asked to build a bridge that could support it. The goal? To channel the same spirit that drives Labman’s engineering: experiment, collaborate, and embrace failure as part of the journey. It was creative, chaotic, and packed with laughter—proof that playfulness and performance aren’t mutually exclusive.
Andrew Whitwell puts members' creations to the test during the Inventathon bridge challenge.
Strategy, Structure, and Communication: Q&A with the Leadership Team
The Q&A session with Managing Director Ian Riley and Head of Engineering Paul Chilton offered a rich and reflective look into how Labman continues to grow without losing its soul. One of the central threads was the importance of clear, honest communication—whether across project teams or in conversations with customers. As Riley noted, great engineering doesn’t happen in a vacuum: it comes from deep listening, asking the right questions, and designing alongside the client rather than just for them.
Labman’s internal structure strikes a rare balance between autonomy and cohesion. Engineering teams operate like semi-independent units, each with freedom to explore and experiment, while staying tethered to shared company goals defined through rolling five-year plans. This allows Labman to remain nimble and inventive—even as the business grows on a global scale.
Recruitment, particularly in a rural location, presents ongoing challenges—but it’s also become one of Labman’s strengths. The company invests heavily in nurturing future talent, with strong ties to northern universities and creative outreach initiatives to inspire early engagement in engineering careers. Graduate and apprentice programmes are central to their long-term strategy. Of around 300 graduate applicants last year, only a small number were hired—a reflection of the company’s emphasis on cultural fit and long-term potential.
Once through the door, many team members choose to stay. It’s not just the creative projects or the cutting-edge tech—it’s the atmosphere. Labman’s leadership described the environment as energising and meaningful—one that attracts people who want to do work that matters.
The conversation also touched on the Helix platform, Labman’s in-house system for collecting machine telemetry and delivering smarter customer support. Looking ahead, the leadership team sees huge opportunity in applying AI to internal knowledge archives and regulatory workflows—freeing engineers to focus more time on creative problem-solving.
Even their approach to ethics reflects a deep sense of purpose. The company avoids work in sectors like defence or tobacco unless a project meets specific humanitarian or harm-reduction criteria. It’s a culture of conscious innovation, grounded in values, not just performance.
Managing Director Ian Riley and Head of Engineering Paul Chilton take questions from members during the post-tour Q&A session.
A Reminder That People Matter
Throughout the visit, there was a clear emphasis on wellbeing. Labman’s leadership openly supports mental health, and Made in Group reinforced its partnership with Shout, offering all members access to confidential mental health text support. With loneliness and financial stress ranking among the top concerns in the industry, initiatives like these show that care and compassion are as integral as code and CAD files.
Closing Thoughts
Labman is a company that builds robots—but more than that, it builds trust, imagination, and sustainable futures. By keeping curiosity at the core, empowering teams, and injecting joy into the workday, they’ve created a workplace—and a community—that dares to do things differently.
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