ProMaterial, a Port Talbot-based advanced manufacturing and industrial technology company, is demonstrating how innovation, technology and local talent can help drive the future of manufacturing in South Wales. Founded by Yining Shen, the business develops AI-enabled inspection and robotic automation solutions designed to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality control and productivity.
As an early-stage technology company, ProMaterial had already secured backing from SFC Capital and the British Business Bank and was progressing the development of its advanced manufacturing technologies. However, to accelerate growth and move from research and manual prototyping towards commercial deployment, the business required specialist equipment and automation capabilities.
To support these ambitions, ProMaterial successfully secured funding through the Tata Steel UK Growth Fund. The grant enabled the company to invest in advanced inspection technologies, robotic automation equipment and AI-powered systems that have significantly strengthened its technical capabilities and accelerated product development.
The project has helped ProMaterial move from technology readiness level (TRL) 4 to TRL 6, enabling the business to progress from research and development activities to physical pilot deployments and the creation of a more integrated, factory-ready product. The investment has allowed the company to undertake real-world testing, demonstrate its technology to potential customers and strengthen its commercial offering.
The impact of the funding has extended well beyond technology development. Since receiving support, ProMaterial has grown from a single employee operation to a team of four PAYE employees, creating skilled roles in artificial intelligence, software development, materials science, manufacturing and operations. These new positions have helped establish additional high-value technical employment in Port Talbot and contributed to the growth of the local innovation ecosystem.
The investment has also supported the company’s commercial progress. During its first commercial year, ProMaterial became a revenue-generating business, securing multiple active customers and demonstrating that advanced manufacturing solutions developed in Port Talbot can successfully compete in both domestic and international markets.
The enhanced facilities and pilot evidence delivered through the project have increased the company’s readiness for future investment, customer demonstrations and further intellectual property development. The funding has helped provide the credibility and technical foundation required to support ProMaterial’s continued scale-up journey.
In addition to its commercial achievements, ProMaterial has gained significant recognition on national and international stages. The company was selected as an industry partner within the Innovate UK-funded South Wales Robotics Adoption Hub, one of only eight projects selected from 76 applications, helping support the future adoption of robotics technologies across South Wales.
The company’s achievements have also been recognised through a number of prestigious programmes and awards, including participation in the Women TechEU Programme, recognition as a Highly Commended Applicant in the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards, selection to Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme for AI Enhanced Manufacturing in the USA, participation in the Netherlands New Exporter Programme, and reaching the Top 10 finalists in Britain’s Got Startups 2026, culminating in a pitch at the London Stock Exchange.
These achievements have helped raise the profile of both ProMaterial and the South Wales manufacturing sector, showcasing the region as a centre for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
As a female-led advanced manufacturing business, ProMaterial is becoming a strong example of how local companies can leverage innovation, skills and technology to build internationally competitive businesses from within Neath Port Talbot.
Yining Shen, Director of ProMaterial, said:
“The support from the Tata Steel UK Growth Fund has been instrumental in accelerating our growth. The funding enabled us to invest earlier in critical inspection and robotic automation equipment, helping us move from research and development into real-world deployment much faster than would otherwise have been possible. It has supported the creation of skilled jobs, strengthened our technology offering and provided the foundation for future investment and international growth. We are proud to be building advanced manufacturing technology in Port Talbot and demonstrating that world-class innovation can thrive here.”
Through investment in cutting-edge technology, the creation of highly skilled employment opportunities and growing international recognition, ProMaterial is helping to position Port Talbot as a centre for advanced manufacturing innovation and showcasing the positive impact of the Tata Steel UK Growth Fund in supporting businesses to grow, innovate and compete on a global stage.
This project is supported by the UK Government through the Tata Steel UK Growth Fund.
