Lean Transition secures GBP £200,000 to fuel AI growth

Lean Transition Solutions has secured a £200,000 loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II as the Worcester-based software company steps up plans to embed artificial intelligence across its Lean manufacturing products and expand globally.

The funding comes through fund manager Frontier Development Capital and follows growing international demand for the company's software, which is used by manufacturers including Pfizer, Hitachi, Schindler and Philips. LTS also sells through channel partners in the US, Europe and Australia.

LTS develops software that supports Lean manufacturing, a production method that focuses on efficiency and waste reduction. The company believes it is the only provider with a full suite of products dedicated to Lean manufacturing, spanning shop-floor data, maintenance, performance tracking and people development.

Alongside its software portfolio, LTS offers consultancy and an online training programme. Pearson, the global education provider, is among the users of its training services. The business now plans to position itself as a leading global supplier of Lean manufacturing software.

LTS was founded in 2009 by Brett Griffiths, a Lean specialist who previously held senior roles in the automotive sector. The company is based in Worcester and focuses on manufacturers in sectors such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceutical and medical devices.

The new funding will support research and development at LTS and the integration of AI across its products. The company is developing a range of AI applications, including a bot that analyses data from across a business and rapidly highlights key operational challenges.

AI product push

The LTS software range includes TITAN, a computerised maintenance management system, Data Point, a digital balanced scorecard, and Janus, which captures data from the shop floor. The products combine Lean methodologies with digital tools. LTS also offers Leadership 4.0 services that focus on people development.

The company plans to incorporate AI into this portfolio. It intends to automate more routine analysis and enable faster decision-making for manufacturers that manage complex global operations.

Griffiths said the shift reflects how manufacturers now view Lean alongside Industry 4.0 technologies such as data analytics and AI. He said companies want integrated systems that connect process improvement, workforce engagement and real-time data.

"Lean manufacturing is about doing things faster, better and smarter - enabling companies to improve their efficiency and their people to thrive. Our Lean Industry 4.0 products marry proven Lean principles with digital technology, and the introduction of AI will extend that further. We aim to bring our technology to a broader audience and establish LTS as the global leader in its field," said Brett Griffiths, founder and CEO, Lean Transition Solutions.

Investor backing

Frontier Development Capital provides long-term loans to mid-market SMEs across the UK. Its backing of LTS comes as manufacturers invest in digital tools that connect maintenance, performance measurement and workforce management.

FDC said LTS had built a broad software range for Lean manufacturing and had already attracted a significant international customer base. It said the funding would support further product enhancement and commercial growth.

"LTS helps businesses to radically improve productivity and performance by adopting smart manufacturing techniques. The company has achieved remarkable success in developing such a comprehensive range of software and attracting a global blue-chip client base. The funding will enable it to further enhance its products and continue its success story," said Minhas.

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, operated by the British Business Bank, manages a £400 million pool for smaller businesses across the Midlands. It provides small loans from £25,000 to £100,000, debt finance from £100,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million.

The fund targets early-stage and growth businesses that might otherwise find it difficult to secure finance from traditional lenders. It works with fund managers such as Frontier Development Capital, as well as local bodies and intermediaries across the region.

British Business Bank representatives said the LTS investment aligns with the fund's focus on innovation and business growth in the Midlands. The bank said the deal supports both job creation and regional scaling for technology-led firms.

"It's great to see funding from Midlands Engine Investment Fund II enabling a software company like Lean Transition Solutions to improve efficiency and support client growth. This investment will help empower the company to create new jobs and scale its operations across the Midlands," said Tindall.

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II continues to deploy debt and equity across the region, while LTS advances AI-led product development and pursues further international growth.