Datacard wins lucrative Thailand card printer contract
26 May, 2004
category: Government
Datacard, whose ImageCard III printers have been producing Thailand’s national Ids for several years, has become the sole source provider for card printers and related supplies, under an agreement announced recently by the country’s Ministry of Interior. In the past three months, Datacard has deployed more than 1,330 Datacard Magna Series card printers. Thailand officials expect to issue some eight million ID cards annually with their new printers.
MINNETONKA, Minn–Datacard Group recently announced it was selected by Thailand’s Ministry of Interior as the sole source provider of card printers and related supplies for the country’s national ID card program. Datacard has deployed more than 1,330 Datacard(R) Magna(TM) Series card printers over the last three months under the agreement. Thailand officials expect to issue approximately eight million ID cards annually with the new Datacard(R) printers.
“This is a tremendous win, because it’s a high-profile program that was heavily pursued by multiple competitors,” said Mike Schnaus, vice president of marketing and corporate development for Datacard Group. “Officials managing the program are experienced identity professionals with extremely high standards for reliability, quality and value. Winning their business is a true testament to the superior performance of Datacard printers and supplies.”
Datacard(R) ImageCard(R) III printers have been used to issue Thailand’s national IDs for several years. The proven reliability of those printers contributed heavily to the win, said Schnaus. “Datacard printers have exceeded expectations in the most demanding environments. They’ve proven highly reliable, even in remote areas marked by intense humidity and other extreme conditions.”
Thailand’s national ID card features full-color photos, a registered holographic topcoat, text, magnetic stripes and smart card chips. “The power and flexibility of our printers allow us to meet Thailand’s specific requirements,” said Schnaus. “They will be able to print highly secure, attractive and durable cards in a fast, single-pass operation.”
The Datacard authorized distributor in Thailand, Data Products Toppan Forms Ltd., worked closely with Thailand government throughout the selection process. The distributor’s Bangkok-based operations will manage printer deployment over the next three months.
“This is a prestigious program and we are pleased the Ministry of Interior chose our solutions,” said Kittisak Langsan, technical manager for Data Products Toppan Forms. “We look forward to enhancing the long-term success of the program.”
Datacard Group offers the world’s best-selling secure ID and card personalization solutions. The company’s portfolio includes systems for high-volume card issuance, card delivery, secure ID issuance and passport production, plus extensive service and supply offerings (www.datacard.com).