The Vodafone deal, the value of which has not been disclosed, begins on 1 March for four years. The Print Factory won a competitive pitch for the work, fending off big name print managers, according to managing director Steve Brundle.

They could see there is a benefit to us having our own manufacturing because of the cost benefits, the transparency of the tendering and the fact that they can have total control over a job, Brundle said.

The deal covers everything thats print from packaging to DM and corporate literature and will involve the installation of a Print Factory team at Vodafones premises in Newbury. Brundle is looking to take on extra staff to handle the account and the firm has expanded its manufacturing with a 16pp Heidelberg web.

Vodafones print buying was previously handled in-house and through its agencies, but it decided to carry out a review following rapid expansion. The Print Factory will manage its existing print supplier base.

Brundle said he hoped the win would make other printers sit up and do more FM. They should look at their client list and see ways where they can offer more.

Its contract with BSkyB, worth in excess of 10m a year, has been renewed for a further two years. It covers the production of commercial print and DM.
It has worked with the broadcaster for a year, since BSkyB ended its previous deal with Communisis print management arm Centurion.

Account director Catherine Burke said it had won the BSkyB contract ahead of five unnamed competitors.

BSkyB procurement manager Kevin Trever said: We can take advantage of the 24-hour service with the Print Factorys commitment to delivering on time. The Print factory has 11 staff at the same complex as BSkyB in Isleworth.

Brundle said The Print Factory was aiming for sales of 100m by April 2005.

by Lauretta Roberts and John Davies