Handmade chocolate maker Friars swells output via automation Chocolate maker Friars, supported by Made Smarter, is poised to experience a game-changing productivity increase by automating its manufacturing process. Based in Cumbria, Friars started making its own brand of premium chocolates by hand last year, after nearly 100 years of retailing confectionery products. Now to meet increasing demand and to accelerate growth, the third-generation family business is automating the labour intensive element of its production line while retaining handcrafted features for its products. The £100,000 investment will enable Friars to increase its output from 30kg per day to 250kg - an increase of 733% - with significant scope to scale up production.