Camera film maker Harman reveals multi-million pound investment as demand for 35mm retro tech grows

Britain’s only manufacturer of 35mm camera film is making a multi-million-pound investment in new equipment as it bids to safeguard the future of analogue film as demand for classic camera technology grows.

Harman Technology is one of just two companies globally with the capacity to mass-produce film cassettes. It’s best-known for its ILFORD range of films and papers for black and white photography, and says sales of those products have grown over the past decade.

Now Harman, based in Mobberley, Cheshire, is carrying out “one of the most significant film modernisation projects of the 21st century” to design and build two new converting machines - the first built since before the millennium. The equipment will allow Harman to more than double the amount of film cassettes it produces each year, and has been custom-built for the business.

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Harman says it aims to “fast-track innovation in an industry characterised by its vintage processes and equipment”. Managing director Greg Summers said: “This type of equipment has not been commissioned by film manufacturers since the 1990s. So, the team has had to start from scratch, designing the equipment from the ground up, introducing modern standards of throughput and automation.”

Harman employs 200 staff in Cheshire and ships products to more than 85 countries. It has an R&D team that it says is the biggest in the world dedicated to research into film.

A March study from Cognitive Market Research showed the global film camera market value is set to reach some £303m by 2030, up from £223.2m in 2023

Harman also makes photographic chemicals, darkroom papers and associated equipment and has recently launched HARMAN Phoenix 200, its first ever colour film made entirely in the UK.

Greg Summers said: “Film photography is a passion, not just a hobby, for millions of people across the world. Analogue cameras and skills have been passed down through generations, and we’re seeing new people fall in love with the format of film photography every day. However, users have limited choice and manufacturers are battling old machinery and processes, and replacement parts that just don’t exist anymore. We’re taking a huge leap to address that with this investment.

“Our hub in Mobberley is going to become a centre of photographic excellence, as we aim to pioneer new ways to manufacture, produce and develop 35mm – both black and white and colour. It’s now a better time than ever to push resources into our team and build on the market’s momentum. We’re making sure that we have a wealth of young talent that is ready to take the reins from industry veterans, combining their experience with innovative processes to produce the future of film photography.”

Harman’s investment was backed by an eight-figure funding package from Lloyds Bank including support for working capital, invoice finance, asset finance, export financing and capital import finance. The deal was led by relationship directors Amanda Wood and Susie Power, supported by Lloyds Bank’s Specialist Client Solutions team.

Susie Power, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Harman has truly tapped into the needs and wants of its customers, making sure that film photography remains an accessible passion for them, both now and in the future. Along with reinvigorating the market with the introduction of its new experimental colour film, its dedication to the analogue film community and re-inventing age-old processes makes Harman a true leader in its field.

“As Greg and the team target further expansion and innovation, we’ll remain by their side to help it invest in its people and processes. We’re so excited to be supporting a business that puts its community at the forefront and strives to sustain film photography for generations to come.”

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