Initially focused on Germany alone, the division, under European operations manager Andreas Kohl, will then attempt to crack the wider European market for bespoke design and packaging for vinyl, CDs, tape cassettes and DVDs.

The new division, established in February, will, like its UK parent company, buy print from existing suppliers in the Czech Republic, Poland and Germany.

Key Production, founded in 1990, said that the move was necessary for growth as it has become dominant in the UK market, and that potential clients in the European market had expressed interest in its services.

Kohl said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing the services of Key Production to the German market. In a setup that is lacking in comparison pretty much in all aspects in Europe and the EU. In particular, Key Production offers expertise and power in all fields of manufacturing vinyl, digital data carriers such as CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays, and first and foremost outstanding packaging. 

“Key Production’s globally connected supply chain will be able to help artists, labels and other operations seeking outstanding quality in sound and packaging reflecting the passion that went into making the content.”

Karen Emanuel, CEO of Key Production, added: “The expansion marks a brand new chapter for Key Production and we’re so proud to bring our industry leading services from the UK music market, the largest in Europe, to new clients on the continent. 

“With Andreas at the helm of a dedicated team, and with his experience and passion for the German music scene, we can add a new level of quality control, expertise and knowledge that’s made us the no.1 bespoke packaging agency in Europe.”

Key Production is a certified B-Corp, and recently transferred control to an employee ownership trust.

It employs 57 across the group.