Emirates Post subsidiary EDC to diversify into card personalisation

An EDC team led by Mr. Abdulla Al Daboos, Director General of Emirates Post and Chairman of EDC, recently visited Data Card, a leading American company specializing in card personalization technology, and finalized arrangements for acquiring the hardware and software needed to operate the niche business.

Other members of the team were Mr. Abdulla Al Ashram, CEO of EDC, and Mr. Abdul Qadir, General Manager of Abba Electronics. EDC is a joint venture between Emirates Post and Abba Electronics.

"EDC is now poised to move to the next level of growth, driven by market demand. As both financial and non-financial cards are becoming an essential part in modern life and business, EDC has identified card personalization as a key growth area. The UAE Council of Ministers and the Emirates Post Board of Directors have already approved an increase in the share capital of EDC to enable the implementation of the new project," said Mr. Al Daboos.

"The EDC move to enter the card personalization business is timely, as most companies are switching to the smart chip technology that ensures full security," said Mr. Al Ashram. "We feel this is a natural progression for EDC, after establishing its credentials in the mail fulfillment business. Our clients, who include leading banks, financial institutions, utility companies and loyalty programmes, can now expect a more complete solution from a single source, while they can devote themselves to their core tasks."

The card personalization project is expected to go on stream in four months' time. Preparations for installing the machinery have already begun, following successful negotiations with Data Card.

"Deriving strength from Emirates Post's pursuit of diversification and innovation, EDC has chalked out a growth strategy to enter new business fields. Besides the card personalization project, we are at an advanced stage of branching into cheque printing operations as well as other related business streams," Al Ashram added.

EDC, set up two years ago, handles multiple printing and mailing requirements as well as direct marketing needs of large companies. EDC has been developed hi-tech one-stop shop that automates the entire chain from printing to enveloping to mailing, in a secure environment.