History of Giesecke & Devrient

1852

Officin für Geld- und Werthpapiere

Hermann Giesecke and Alphonse Devrient establish the company under the name "Officin für Geld- und Werthpapiere" (Printing Shop for Banknotes and Securities). Giesecke & Devrient has remained a privately owned company up to the present day. Detailed article: "A forward-looking business model from 1852."

1856

First banknote order

G&D receives its first banknote printing order: the Dutchy of Altenburg commissions the young company with producing a 10-thaler note.

1880

Export

The company wins contracts from numerous South American governments to print banknotes, government bonds and postage stamps.

1891

Thailand

The Royal House of Thailand orders banknotes and postage stamps from G&D.

1923

Giesecke Tausender

In 1922, galloping inflation causes the governing council of the Reichsbank to contact G&D. For the first time, the company is charged by a German central bank with producing a banknote – later to be known as the "Giesecke Tausender". Further orders follow at increasingly short intervals – and for ever-higher denominations.

1924

Rentenmark

A new means of payment is introduced to stabilize the currency: the "Rentenmark", valued at 1 Rentenmark to one trillion old marks. G&D plays a major role in producing the new paper money, printing over 47 million notes.

1936

Olympic Games in Berlin

G&D prints all the tickets for the Olympic Games. Detailed article

1943

Leipzig

An air raid destroys more than three quarters of the company premises in Leipzig.

1948

Siegfried Otto

Following destruction of the company headquarters in Leipzig, Siegfried Otto begins rebuilding the company in Munich. Detailed article: "A man and his vision"

1955

DM traveler's check

The first standardized traveler’s check in deutschmarks is developed in cooperation with the German banking industry.

1958

Deutsche Bundesbank

The company contracts to supply half of all German banknotes to the Deutsche Bundesbank (the German Central Bank), a business relationship that continues up to the present day.

GyD de México

G&D's first subsidiary, GyD de México, is established. More important than the fact that Mexico was to play a key role in opening up the South American market was the G&D management's wish to lay the foundations for a new start elsewhere, should Europe once again become a theater of war.

1964

Papierfabrik Louisenthal

G&D acquires Papierfabrik Louisenthal in Gmund on the Tegernsee, and sets up Europe's most advanced paper mill specializing in security and banknote paper.

1968

Eurocheque system

The European banking industry develops the eurocheque system and eurocheque card in cooperation with G&D.

Chip cards

Helmut Gröttrup, founding director of GAO, registers the first patent relating to cards with embedded chips.

1970

GAO, Gesellschaft für Automation und Organisation mbH

Within the company group, G&D founds GAO, a research and development unit for modernizing banknotes as a means of payment and developing cashless transactions.

1972

Olympic Games in Munich

G&D prints the tickets for the Olympic Summer Games in Munich.

1974

Germany hosts the World Cup

G&D prints the tickets for all World Cup Games. Detailed article: "A winning performance at the World Cup finals."

1975

Machine-readable banknote

Automatic currency processing systems and the world’s first machine-readable banknote are introduced.

1977

ISS 300/ISS 3000

G&D launches the ISS 300 and ISS 3000 currency processing systems for automatic sorting, fitness detection and authentication of banknotes.

1979

Laser personalization systems

G&D develops the world's first system for laser personalization of credit cards (still regarded as the most secure system available).

Olympic Games in Moscow

G&D prints all tickets for the Olympic Games in Moscow.

1981

First chip cards

G&D contracts with French banks and the Deutsche Bundespost (Federal German Post Office) to produce the first chip cards for a point-of-sale field trial in France.

1984

Deutsche Bundespost

G&D produces the first telephone cards for the Deutsche Bundespost.

Invention of the SIM plug-in

G&D develops the SIM plug-in, which becomes the global standard SIM card format.

1988

Deutsche Telekom

G&D supplies cards for Deutsche Telekom's analog "C-Net", the first mobile phone network operating with smart cards.

1989

POS security terminals

The first generation of hybrid POS (point of sale) security terminals is launched.

BPS® 3000

G&D develops the high-performance BPS^® 3000 banknote processing system and receives a major order from the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States of America.

1991

STARCOS®

Launch of STARCOS®, the first multiapplication-enabled smart card operating system.

First commercial SIM

G&D supplies the world's first commercial SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) to a Finnish network operator.

Papierfabrik Königstein

Louisenthal acquires Papierfabrik Königstein near Dresden, offered for sale after the reunification of West and East Germany. This results in an increase in production capacities for banknote and security paper.

1993

Statutory health insurance card

The German health service issues memory chip cards produced by G&D.

LEAD® = Longlasting Economical Anticopy Device

The new banknote security feature LEAD^®, a metallic stripe incorporating a hologram or Kinegram, is successfully introduced.

1994

ID cards

G&D supplies national ID cards and personalization systems to Namibia.

1995

Electronic purse

The world's first nationwide STARCOS^®-based multifunctional electronic purse system, PayChip/Quick in Austria, is established.

Deutsche Lufthansa

G&D produces the first contactless multifunctional smart card for Deutsche Lufthansa.

STEP® = Shimmery Twin Effect Protection

The new STEP^® banknote security feature, an optically variable ink that changes color depending on the angle of view, is successfully introduced.

1996

PEAK®= Printed and Embossed Anticopy Key

The new PEAK^® banknote security feature is successfully introduced. The colors and information presented by this three-dimensional, optically variable feature change according to the angle of view and light source.

Olympic Games in Atlanta

G&D supplies over 1 million VisaCash memory and processor smart cards for the Olympic Games in Atlanta.

GeldKarte

G&D becomes the leading supplier of masks, cards and terminals for Germany's GeldKarte, the world's largest multifunctional smart card program.

Proton

G&D provides personalization services for Proton to Canada, Sweden and Belgium.

BPS® 2000 for printing companies

Launch of BPS^® 2000, a banknote inspection system for use by banknote printing companies on newly printed notes.

1997

STARCOIN®

Pilot installations of the STARCOIN® payment system are implemented in several countries.

MONDEX

G&D undertakes personalization and direct individual mailing of all MONDEX cards in Canada.

LUCHS 5000 and IMAGO

As part of its overall "Data Factory" concept, G&D sets up the LUCHS 5000 and IMAGO pilot projects for laser personalization of cards and capture of personal data.

STARSIM®

As one of the first SIM suppliers, G&D puts the innovative STARSIM^® operating system on the market, supporting the SIM Application Toolkit. Today, over 95% of all mobile phones are equipped with the SIM Application Toolkit.

BPS® 500

Launch of the BPS^® 500 banknote processing system, with a throughput of up to 30,000 banknotes an hour.

PSM100® = Portable Security Module

A hand-held device is developed for authenticating products and documents that incorporate covert G&D security features.

1998

ZVT 900

Launch of the ZVT 900 hybrid payment terminal.

SIM card for China

G&D produces the first SIM card in China.

World's first SIM-based mobile banking solution

G&D presents the world's first commercial mobile banking solution on SIM Toolkit basis, and installs it for a Czech cellular operator.

Java™Card

G&D develops the Java™Card and Sm@rtCafé Professional security software.

Security systems

G&D establishes a new business unit, called Security Systems, which focuses on information and network security and provides products and services for secure corporate IT communications (i.e. security for applications, client/server and e-mail communications).

FIT® = Fine Intaglio Technology

Introduction of a high-resolution engraving technique which allows extremely fine lines to be generated in intaglio printing, opening up new opportunities for innovative security feature design.

Textile security label

A textile security label is introduced which incorporates an interwoven machine-readable security thread invisible to the human eye.

India

Louisenthal's largest order for banknote paper ever - 6,000 tonnes – comes from India.

1999

Euro banknotes

G&D prints the new European currency with state-of-the-art security standards for the European Central Bank, and is the principal euro printer in terms of volume among the 15 participating companies.

First SIM browser

G&D implements the world's first SIM-based browser solution for a network operator in Singapore.

BPS® 200

G&D launches BPS^® 200, its first desktop banknote processing system.

iF Product Design Award

G&D's BPS^® 1000 sets new standards for performance and design in currency processing systems and wins an iF Product Design Award.

TOPnote® = Transparent Overlay Protection

G&D introduces TOPnote technology for protection of banknotes against rapid soiling. The process encapsulates both paper and printing, thus extending the note's circulation life.

2000

2000 CashMouse™

Introduction of a new multifunctional smart card terminal with keyboard and display (class 3), suitable for many different applications.

Network Payment System (NPS)

Launch of an intelligent background system for smart card payment transactions in LANs and over the Internet.

Smart debit/credit cards

G&D becomes a certified supplier of VISA Smart Debit Credit (VSDC) cards.

Internet Banking Solution

Over 500,000 users rely on G&D's secure, smart card based Internet Banking Solution.

CeBIT Design Award

In the CeBIT Design Award competition, G&D's exhibition stand wins silver in the category for stands of over 300 sq.m.

FIT®medal

The FIT^®medal banknote security feature is successfully introduced. The feature, with a genuine 3-D relief produced by intaglio printing, cannot be copied, but is detectable by the naked eye.

G&D Security Seal

G&D launches a self-adhesive anti-piracy security seal. Applied to product packaging, it provides positive proof of authenticity.

ID card project, Egypt

The "Delta" project involving the production of 42 million ID cards for Egypt is successfully completed.

2001

EMV migration

G&D takes an important step towards EMV migration, offering a wide range of EMV-compliant products and solutions available on several platforms.

econote®

A banknote featuring high counterfeit protection and superior durability, designed especially for low-denominated notes, is introduced.

2002

UniverSIM

G&D presents its first UniverSIM^® card for the third mobile phone generation at the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes. This is a combined card that can be used in both 2G and 3G networks.

Citizen Card for Macau

460,000 residents of the Special Administrative Region of Macau are issued with a new, multifunctional identity card.

New banknote series for Afghanistan

G&D develops, designs and prints the complete new banknote series for Afghanistan.

EMV cards

G&D supplies DaimlerChrysler Bank with the first EMV cards for electronic payments to be issued in Germany.

Numeron®

G&D presents its new desktop currency processing system for decentralized use e.g. in commercial banks, cash-in-transit companies, casinos, commercial enterprises, institutions and retail outlets.

PEAKink® = Printed and Embossed Anticopy Key

This feature is an advancement on the PEAK^® security element developed in 1996, and enables the creation of special multi-colored, unmistakable banknote security elements that exhibit varying information depending on the angle of view.

Biometric user authentication

G&D offers on-card matching technology based on different chip platforms (STARCOS^® SPK 2.4 , Java) for fingerprint and iris recognition, allowing secure, positive identification while fully protecting data privacy.

Banknote paper mill

A banknote paper mill is completed in the Middle East. Similar projects had formerly been carried out in Burma, China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe and other countries.

Cash center for the Transguard/Emirates Group, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

In June 2002, G&D sets up the first fully automatic cash center for national and international commercial banks, financial service providers and government agencies.

2003

First UniverSIM® cards in Europe for launch of 3G networks

The first UniverSIM^® cards are issued by network operators to European mobile phone users, in time for the launch of the first 3G networks in Europe. These cards allow users to make calls in both GSM and UMTS networks.

Louisenthal security foil production inaugurated

Expanding its operations as banknote and security paper manufacturer, Louisenthal opens its own facility for the production of security foils in early 2003. The organization can draw on the expertise and experience it has gathered in this sector over many decades.

G&D banknote printing works established in Malaysia

A banknote printing plant goes on stream in Kuala Lumpur.

First banknote with copper LEAD®

G&D creates the first banknote with copper LEAD^® for Sudan (2000 Dinar note).

Visa personalization system for Kazakhstan

G&D delivers a visa personalization system and visa labels to Kazakhstan, for the supply of approx. 70 embassies around the world.

Cash center for the HVB Group in Munich

G&D sets up a cash center for the HVB Group in October 2003, with ATM management, replenishment and cash collection, night vault servicing in the Munich area, supply of national currency and checks.

Cash center for the Bahrain Financing Company

Opened in April 2004, G&D Bahrain BA s.a. processes over 500,000 banknotes of different currencies every day.

First credit cards with multifunctional chip for Germany and Egypt

G&D produces the first credit cards with multifunctional chip for German MasterCard and for Egypt's leading private bank.

Personalization centers for Serbia and Italy

Two new personalization centers are set up in Serbia and Italy to support EMV migration.

Health card in Taiwan

Taiwan's 24 million citizens are issued with electronic health care cards; health workers receive health professional cards.

SECCOS (Secure Card Operating System)

The multifunctional chip card platform for e-payment and digital signature is launched.

A new passport personalization system is installed and commissioned in Haiti

The passports incorporate the PEAK^®ink feature for the first time.

BPS® 2000 for printing companies

A BPS^® 2000 is supplied in August 2003 to Australia's sole banknote printing enterprise.

2004

Chip passport

G&D offers modern identity documents with chip-based storage of biometric data. The new passports provide greater security in border controls.

Hundredth currency processing system for India

The hundredth BPS^® 204 currency processing system to be installed in commercial banks and cash-in-transit companies in India is delivered.

e-card

G&D is awarded a contract in connection with the issue of 11 million social insurance cards in Austria.

Java™ -based STARSIM cards in South America

The two largest network operators in Brazil opt for GD Burti – G&D's regional subsidiary – as principal supplier of their SIM card requirements.

New flash technology for STARSIM cards

Flash technology is now deployed for G&D STARSIM cards, allowing more efficient utilization of the valuable freely available memory space on the SIM card.

Expansion of solutions business in the IT security segment

G&D takes a majority stake in secunet Security Networks AG and integrates Secartis into secunet. This enables the company to expand its IT security sector.

EMV smart card solutions for Malaysia

Four leading banks opt for G&D's solution spectrum – from card design to setup of the personalization system.

Castella® and Lobby90®

The two cash-in solutions, Castella^® and Lobby90^® (an OEM solution), are presented to a broad public as new series products at CeBIT 2004.

iF Product Design Award 2004 for Castella®

Castella^®, the deposit terminal for cash offices, receives an award for combined functionality and style, thus continuing the successful story begun by Numeron^®.

2005

First paper banknote to integrate varifeye^® window feature for Bulgaria (20 lev)

ProxSIM^®
Launch of G&D‘s (U)SIM card with contactless interface

First contactless EMV Cards
The first EMV cards with contactless function worldwide for Malaysia

Caion^®- casino-all-in-one
Renowned casino operators in Africa, Australia, Europe, and the USA rely on the new Caion^®- casino-all-in-one solution for cashless gaming.
 

Pole feature
Introduction of Pole Feature: Highest security and fast assurance for the second level of authenticity detection

"G&D Partners"
Launch of the "G&D Partners" program

New subsidiary
Expansion of business activities in Italy with new local subsidiary

New banknotes for Mauritania
New banknote series with a modern design for Mauritania

Smart company ID badge
G&D produces smart company ID badges for E.ON Energie in Germany

(U)SIM cards with extended memory
(U)SIM cards from G&D with extended memory of up to 128 KB are sold for UMTS networks in Europe, Asia and Latin America

BPS 200 systems for Sweden
G&D has established itself as a permanent market leader with the delivery of 50 desktop BPS 200 systems to cash-in-transit companies.

Government Solution Center
G&D has opened offices in Berlin to present innovative products and solutions for the government sector.