More than 150 million people carry ID from Connemara

Date Published: 18-Jul-2012

More than 150 million people around the world carry some form of identification made in Connemara.

HID Global Ireland Teoranta located at Baile na hAbhann, has shipped its 150 millionth high-technology eID (electronic ID) product.

The company’s management team and 226 employees, along with local political and business officials, celebrated the milestone in a special ceremony.

The Connemara-based company is a high security, state-of-the-art eID credential facility that creates products for access and identification-related applications such as electronic passports and contactless swipe ID/access cards.

“We are proud to be a key economic player in the local, national and international arena,” said Rory Noone, Director of Operations, HID Global, Galway.

“More than 150 million people worldwide, a third of all citizens using high-security electronic passports and identity credentials, carry our Galway technology with them.

“We are exporting Irish high technology and know-how to every continent, and our local workforce and the entire Irish community can be very proud of this milestone, as well as our contribution to a critical aspect of the world’s security.”

HID Global Galway has shipped 100 million components used in ePassports by travellers in 30 countries, or approximately 28 percent of the world’s market.

According to the International Civil Aviation Association, as of December 2011, a total of 355 million ePassports have been issued globally. The vast majority of EU countries, as well as numerous countries outside of Europe, are now issuing machine-readable electronic passports.

The company has also shipped 50 million microchip-based inlays used in eIDs by citizens in 22 countries. Other notable achievements include providing tens of millions of units for a variety of European ePassports.

Originally established 15 years ago, the Baile na hAbhann site was acquired in 2007 by HID Global, a trusted leader in secure identity solutions.

In 2010, the operation was expanded and engineered into one of Ireland’s most advanced secure technology facilities to accommodate the growing global trend toward eIDs and ePassports.

Now one of Connemara Gaeltacht’s largest employers, the operation has 226 full and part-time employees.

Read more in today’s Connacht Tribune