ID card firm makes job creating expansion into Yorkshire

One of Europe’s leading suppliers of security products, ID cards, and specialist print equipment used to create them, has expanded into the UK and opened a new office near York.

The business, cards-x, will create 10 new jobs over the coming year.

It was founded near Dusseldorf, Germany, more than 10 years ago and its products are now used in a vast range of businesses, public sector organisations, sporting venues, exhibitions, public buildings, education establishments, visitor attractions and events.

The company sells an extensive range of plastic card printers and related consumables that enable businesses and organisations to produce their own personalised ID cards quickly and easily.

Its card production plant in Germany specialises in printing plastic cards in ISO credit card format, as well as other special card formats, for all types of uses including accreditation passes for large sporting events.

The UK division of cards-x is headed by managing director, Andy Reeves.

He joins the company from global technology giant, Matica, which manufactures the desktop identification hardware used to produce highly secure documents such as passports, financial cards, national ID cards and driving licences.

As part of the expansion, cards-x has opened an office and distribution centre on Showfield Lane in Malton.

Reeves said: “There is a clear gap in the UK for a company that can quickly and efficiently provide a vast range of products, as well as an expert accreditation service.

“The expansion of cards-x also comes at a defining point for the industry, with the Covid-19 pandemic currently driving demand for cards to offer more than just identification, and that can also be used for financial transactions, such as cashless catering.

“Plus, there is more appetite now for digital identification passes that can be presented on smart phones, and these are both markets that cards-x is already at the forefront of.

“We’re also confident that as workplaces and venues begin to reopen, demand will increase again for cards in special formats and materials, such as VIP cards for events and traditional ID cards.

“We plan to grow the team in the UK and will initially create 10 new jobs in the next 12 months in a variety of positions including technical, sales and marketing roles, which makes this an exciting time for both cards-x and the industry in the UK.”

Norman Kammerling, group CEO from cards-x added: “Germany and the UK are now two of the biggest markets for security and personalised identification products in the world due to the countries’ underlying commitment to safety, compliance and security.

“This makes this expansion a particularly exciting opportunity and it will significantly strengthen our foothold in the UK market.

“We’ve worked with Andy for many years and he has a superb understanding of the industry, as well as a rich list of contacts and plenty of experience, which made him the ideal candidate to spearhead this expansion.”