Datastrip shortlists Hyd, B'lore for its unit

Datastrip, a provider of personal identification and verification technology, is mulling a manufacturing facility in India.

Hyderabad and Bangalore have been shortlisted as potential locations in this regard. Datastrip is a privately held group of companies operating from the UK and USA.

Addressing the media, Steve Blackmore, chief executive officer of Datastrip, said, "We already have manufacturing facilities in the US and China. However, we are keen on setting up a manufacturing base in India as well. We hope to take a decision in a few months' time."

Company officials declined to divulge the investment that it would involve.

The company intends to start manufacturing in India to be "closer to the market".

According to Blackmore, "The Indian market is very exciting now as technology and infrastructure upgradation is gathering momentum."

Datastrip in collaboration with BrickRed provides end-to-end solutions for transport applications like driving license and vehicle registration certificates, national ID cards, social security cards and the likes.

Company officials have also initiated talks with Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy with regard to some of its solutions.

"With the number of airports increasing, we see a huge potential for our solutions in India as these can be used in checking passports and visas," Blackmore added.