Braythorn has secured an on-going contract with an unnamed client to produce innovative oval hanging packs for mobile phone accessories.

The Birmingham-based firm has produced 105,000 units to date. Its client holds a number of licences and the firm has so far produced packs for Manchester United FC, Harry Potter, Loaded, The Simpsons and Love Hearts sweets.

"We have had the contract since last April and have seen the packs in outlets such as WH Smiths and Woolworths," said Braythorn sales and marketing manager Mark Hammond.

He said Braythorn had received a lot of interest from other companies that produce telecommunication products.

The packs, of which there are five different types, are printed flexo in four colours plus specials on a Chadwick flexo press. Orders are normally for 10,000-20,000 of each type.

Braythorn also sources the insert trays to ensure product continuity.

Hammond said the PVC section was definitely a growing market and one that was going from strength to strength.

"There are very few in this market sector, but even so we will have to start looking at different shapes to maintain our advantage over the competition," he said.

The packing and print specialist started business in 1979. It now employs 56 people at its Aston base and has an annual turnover of 4.5m.

Story by Andy Scott