[March 30, 2004] Checkpoint Systems and Matrics Announce Strategic Alliance to Deliver Comprehensive EPC/RFID Solutions for the Retail Supply Chain THOROFARE, N.J. and COLUMBIA, Md. --(Business Wire)-- March 30, 2004 -- Checkpoint Agrees to Purchase 100 Million RFID Tags for Integration into Client EPC Systems Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), the leading provider of RF-based product identification and shrink management solutions for retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers, today announced a contract with Matrics, Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacture of UHF Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems. Under the terms of the agreement, Checkpoint Systems agrees to purchase 100 million EPC-compliant RFID tags for integration into client supply chain applications using the company's EPC enterprise systems. Other terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Designed to scale as emerging standards and applications evolve, Checkpoint's EPC/RFID Enterprise Solution will provide customers with a migration path from case and pallet level applications to item level applications in the store. This flexibility enables customers to leverage their up-front investment in the technology while at the same time, dramatically improving product security and visibility across their supply chain. The solution utilizes the Electronic Product Code (EPC) standards, ensuring compatibility throughout the supply chain. We consider this multi-year agreement an important component of our long-term strategic plan, said John Thorn, Checkpoint Systems General Manager - Supply Chain and Brand Solutions Group. It ensures that our supply chain customers will have a reliable and economical source of supply, using best-in-class technology as they meet industry initiatives. As a result of recent industry initiatives driven by Wal-Mart, the Department of Defense (DoD), Target and the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA), customers are looking for EPC-compliant solutions that satisfy both private and government mandate requirements and most importantly, add value to their business. With this announcement, Checkpoint Systems is poised to deliver comprehensive, high-performance EPC-compliant solutions, including Class-compliant RFID tags. We are pleased to be partnering with Checkpoint Systems, a leading provider of end-to-end supply chain technology to the retail sector, said Piyush Sodha, Matrics Chairman and CEO. Checkpoint's global customer base spanning retailers and consumer product manufacturers will now be able to utilize Matrics' high performance, cost-effective EPC compliant RFID tags. We are excited about working with Matrics because the company has emerged as a true industry leader, said George Off, Checkpoint Systems Chairman and CEO. We believe this agreement enhances Checkpoint's capabilities and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing cutting edge technology to real world problems. About Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Checkpoint Systems, Inc., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of technology-driven solutions for retail security, labeling, and merchandising. Checkpoint is the leading provider of radio frequency- (RF) based shrink management solutions to the $1 trillion global retail industry, including over half of the world's top 200 largest global retailers. In addition to its shrink management capabilities, Checkpoint's end-to-end supply chain technology helps apparel and consumer product manufacturers and retailers brand, track and secure goods worldwide. Checkpoint has a presence in more than 50 countries and a global network of 29 service bureaus located in the world's apparel manufacturing capitals. A founding member of the MIT Auto-ID Center and member of EPCglobal Inc., Checkpoint's technology solutions include digital RF/EAS and RFID systems, RF source tagging, barcode labeling systems, EAS, handheld labeling systems, and retail merchandising systems. For additional information, visit Checkpoint Systems' web site located at www.checkpointsystems.com. About Matrics, Inc. Matrics Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of EPC-compliant RFID systems. Matrics along with its partnership network provides RFID solutions to many of the Fortune 1000 companies, government, as well as international businesses. Current customers include International Paper and McCarran Airport. For more information, visit Matrics on the web at www.matrics.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]