Gilt-edged anniversary for Payne

ISSUE DATE: 6 June 2006

Tear tape and security products manufacturer Payne is celebrating twenty-five years at its manufacturing facility in Giltbrook, Nottingham. During this period, the company has enjoyed continuous growth and is today the world leading tear tape manufacturer, with an unrivalled reputation for quality and innovation.

The anniversary comes a year after the merger of Filtrona plc businesses PP Payne, Morane and Laminex under the Payne name, generating annual sales of more than £50 million. The complementary expertise of the businesses enables Payne to offer a broader range of products and solutions. Payne offers solutions in tear tape and coated film, whilst its Payne Security division focuses on brand protection, document authentication and personal ID solutions.

The company was founded under its original name of PP Payne in Nottingham in 1911, to manufacture cotton tying tape for supply to the local textile industry. In the 1950s, it introduced its first tear tape product, Rippatape, for opening cartons.

After the company moved to the Giltbrook site, it developed the pioneering Supastrip tear tape, used on a wide range of consumer goods including confectionery and tobacco. In 1989, Payne took the first step towards becoming a global concern with the launch of its German sales office, and today the company operates from twelve sites in nine countries.

The other major development has been the creation of the company’s print capability. This began with the commissioning of its two station gravure printing press in 1997. This was followed in 2000 by the launch of an in-house design studio, enabling the creation of sophisticated printed tapes to enhance brand image. The development of a range of authentication solutions extended the use of tear tape yet again. In 2003 the installation of a 10 station rotogravure press provided the final piece of the company’s state-of-the-art printing capability. The business is now positioned to produce a whole range of sophisticated printed products for consumer promotion and the protections of identities and brands.

“The past twenty-five years have seen major changes in our organisation, and the Giltbrook site has provided a superb base for our tear tape developments,” comments Managing Director Tony Edwards. “The creation of Payne last year has enhanced and extended our capabilities, putting us in a strong position to drive the business forward during the next twenty-five years.”