Morpho launches IC assembly line in Brazil

 

Morpho has launched a full Integrated Circuit (IC) module assembly line at its Brazilian production plant in Taubaté, enabling it to manufacture up to 30 million modules a year starting in the first quarter of 2011.

According to the company, the new line will also satisfy the Brazilian government’s requirement to increase local added value in the smart card production chain in order to fulfil the stipulations of the tax incentive recognition law, Processo Produtivo Básico (PPB).

The module assembly line rounds out an overall investment of more than 4 million euros in 2010 to enable on-site production of highly secure polycarbonate ID cards, which will strengthen the company’s position as a leading local player in the smart card business.  Morpho says it now has a full production chain for Brazil’s new RIC ID card, which will become the country’s official means of identification in the next few years.

Paolo Villasco, senior vice president, Sales Americas at Morpho’s e-Documents Division says: “Our new IC module assembly line will allow us to comply with the Brazilian government’s rules relating to benefits under the PPB. Our decision to invest in an in-house line underscores our long-term commitment to Brazilian and Latin American customers.”