Snapper -Global Capability – Local Manufacture

Wednesday, 8 June, 2011

Snapper announces today that it now produces the majority of its world-class smartcards through ABnote, its strategic partner in Christchurch, New Zealand.

-Global Capability – Local Manufacture.-

Miki Szikszai, Snapper CEO explains, “Since Snapper first launched in Wellington nearly three years ago we have been looking for a smartcard manufacturer that could deliver a combination of the best possible production and delivery to Snapper’s exacting standards. We chose ABnote for its quality control, globally proven capability and commitment to delivery. We’re also enjoying the great benefit that ABnote is local too, with operations right here in Christchurch, New Zealand. Since production started in late 2010, ABnote has produced over 200,000 Java Card Open Platform smartcards for Snapper.”

-First for Australasia.-

“There are few card manufacturing plants in the world that have the expertise and equipment to produce the technologically advanced smartcards that Snapper uses. Together with ABnote in Christchurch, Snapper is able to produce the first transit application in the Australasia region that uses contactless, with laser engraving security technology,” Mr Szikszai, says.

-Quality driven processes. -

Mr Szikszai says, "Producing a Snapper smartcard is a complex and exact process; to ensure every Snapper smartcard is produced to world class standards they undergo a thorough quality and assurance testing at ABnote.

“We've streamlined the process to produce, package and distribute a standard Snapper smartcard quickly and accurately. The entire process is monitored by ABnote from start to finish ensuring that Snapper has the best quality product and timely deliveries required for our market environment."

Mr Szikszai continues, “ABnote, along with their business partners, have also developed unique packaging techniques for a full smartcard "match and attach" automation process. The process uses intelligent photo capture and an automated unique folding application for Snapper smartcards to ensure 100% accurate card-to-carrier matching. Cards from every production run are quality tested through the online Snapper test equipment.”

-Production at pace, with more to come.-

“The partnership with ABnote means we can now produce 1,000 Snapper smartcards in just one hour – that’s one Snapper ready for market every 3.6 seconds!

“Snapper's partnership with ABnote in New Zealand has only just begun. With changing trends and emerging technologies we are continuing to grow our product innovation and the business relationship. We are already well on the way to producing Snappers in other form factors with ABnote that we know New Zealanders will find even more convenient,” Miki Szikszai, said. -About Snapper.- Snapper has created a brand new payment category in New Zealand, replacing cash with instant everyday payments using contactless smart media.

Over 200,000 Snappers have been issued, generating over 41 million transactions across over 1,000 buses, 2,000 taxis, and hundreds of retailers in New Zealand. Snapper offers customers integrated ticketing and instant everyday payments. The Snapper system in Wellington also provides valuable journey data that can be used to plan better transport services for passengers.

Snapper Services Limited was formed in 2006 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Infratil Limited. Snapper launched in 2008, has offices in Wellington and Auckland, New Zealand, and employs over 40 people.

-About ABnote.- ABnote is the longest-established and most trusted supplier of secure transaction products, services and logistics in cheques, financial cards, EMV smartcards, driver's licences and high resolution barcodes. Employing over 650 people in all major states in Australia and New Zealand; ABnote services over 1000 customers, including Australia's major banks, Federal and State Governments and many small and large commercial enterprises. The company's success over almost 170 years is due to its continuing focus on new methods, new products, new technologies and a partnering approach to client relationships. An award-winning company, having been recognized over many years by Australian and New Zealand industry associations for its innovation and quality.

In the 21st century our customers look to ABnote to help them stay ahead of their competition through the delivery of cost effective solutions, exceptional service, and continuous innovation. ABnote is security accredited by Visa, MasterCard, EuroPay, Bankcard, Diners Club and American Express, and holds International Quality Standards Organisation ISO9001:2008 in Australia and New Zealand and ISO:14001:2004 in Australia

Ends

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