An RFID component supplier and a smart card consulting firm have joined forces to expand the sale of transponders in the EMEA region.

The sales and business development agreement between KSW Microtec and ARE CON will target smart card manufacturers in the region. The agreement will focus on KSW's range of High Frequency (HF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID inlays and pre-laminates for contactless identification applications.

Thomas Hitzer, CEO of KSW Microtec, says ARE CON's technical and business understanding of contactless smart card markets provides KSW with a great opportunity to strengthen its presence throughout the whole region.

ARE CON represents companies such as PET foil manufacturers Agfa Materials; high security software developer for card applications Monet+; and AdvanIDe, one of the largest semiconductor distributors in the smart card market.

Bernhard F Wernberger, managing director at ARE CON, says KSW Microtec's standing as a world leader in RFID technology and innovation is the ideal support for its specialised sales. "It (the agreement) guarantees a stalwart foundation for continued growth, even during challenging times," he says.

KSW Microtec has also appointed Birgit Kobbe-Gipper as EMEA sales manager. She will operate an EMEA sales force for RFID applications in the asset management, access and security, ePayment and eTicketing segments.