Filtrona's Coated & Security Products Division has underlined its commitment to its Payne and Payne Security businesses with an extensive expansion and modernisation of its research, development and technical service facilities.

The Technology Centre, located at the Divisional HQ in Nottingham, is home to the central Development team - entrusted with creating new products, capabilities and markets - and the Technical Service team, which provides support for its existing product portfolio. The refurbishment signals a significant investment by Filtrona to expand and transform the existing laboratory into a world-class facility, providing the quality of environment and equipment necessary to drive its Coated & Security Products businesses forward into the new decade.

The scope of ambition is clear from the fact that the project required substantial building work within the current laboratory space, which was completed over a five-month period during the latter half of 2009. Now double in size, the new Technology Centre incorporates a temperature and humidity controlled analytical room and an engineering room for work on proprietary systems and reading devices, such as those used in Payne Security's authentication technologies.

With a major presence in several FMCG markets, including food, beverage and tobacco, Payne and Payne Security are at the cutting edge of security and tear tape technology. Over the years, the company's research & development team has been responsible for several innovations, including its pioneering authentication technologies and tear tape solutions. In fact in 2009, nearly 20% of the division's sales came from products, technologies, systems, services and capabilities that did not exist five years ago.

Now, Filtrona believes that these businesses are better placed than ever to continue to innovate. Tony Edwards, Divisional Managing Director, Filtrona Coated & Security Products comments, "This investment reflects the success of key product developments by our teams who are dedicated to turning new ideas into products that exceed our clients' needs and expectations".
Edwards continues, "We are delighted that Filtrona has placed its trust in our abilities by providing Payne & Payne Security with these world-class facilities with which to deliver the future of our tear tape and security businesses."

In addition to this investment, Payne Security has also built a major new facility for security and smart card production at its Banbury site, which includes a clean room as well as a self-contained design studio to support its efforts in high quality personalisation. It has also recently announced the acquisition of BP Labels, a provider of creative and secure label solutions. Both of these investments reflect the continued strength of the division's business development strategy and its drive for growth through innovation.