Productive Machines secures investment for global expansion

Sheffield-based engineering software firm Productive Machines has secured a multi-million pound investment to fuel expansion into European and US markets. The funding package includes £1.3 million led by Finance Yorkshire’s Seedcorn Fund, which included a £450,000 investment from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Additionally, the company secured a £1.1 million loan from Innovate UK, with follow-on backing from ACT Venture Partners and Mercia Ventures.

A spin-out from the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the company specializes in machining intelligence through its patent-protected ‘SenseNC’ software. The technology uses physics and AI to optimize cutting conditions digitally, aiming to achieve ‘first time right’ machining for manufacturers. This process is designed to reduce material waste and improve efficiency for clients in the aerospace, automotive, defence, healthcare, and precision engineering sectors.

The investment is expected to support job creation and capacity expansion for the 14-staff company, which is currently based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park.