This marks the first time in the United States that all of the smart card production technologies will be integrated into a single production process. The new production line will supply smart card modules, the high-value core of Axaltos products. Modules contain the microprocessor, memory and other software and security features that power these tiny, mass-produced computers. Smart cards deliver secure, portable and convenient access to personalized services while protecting each users privacy and identity. A number of industry watchers have stated that the area is the fastest growing regional smart card market in several sectors, and Axaltos recently announced results attest to that outlook. The Americas achieved full-year revenue growth of 29%, the strongest increase among Axaltos regions. The clean room based fabrication is now operational, and the company plans to ramp capacity up to full production capability by mid-year. The new microelectronics line is already producing modules for North and South American customers. The microelectronics module fab is contained in a new high-tech clean room and uses some of the industrys most advanced production technologies and techniques. The operation starts with integrated circuits delivered in bulk from semiconductor manufacturers on eight inch round wafers, each containing thousands of these microchips. A series of high volume electronics production processes transform each tiny individual chip into a module, which is the heart of the companys smart cards, tokens, electronic passports and other form factors. A wide variety of Axalto developed smart card software is then added by loading features such as secure operating systems, applications and security keys, along with customized graphical and security elements incorporated into the body of each card. Axalto uses a world class production model called Lean Sigma, combining two world class manufacturing processes called Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. Lean Manufacturing centers on improved efficiency throughout the production value stream and Six Sigma on continuously improving production process quality. The Axalto plant in Maryland has been producing secure cards continuously since 1964.
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