How Checkpoint Systems Enhances Tracking in Supply Chains
Checkpoint Systems, known globally for its radio-frequency identification (RFID) solutions, has opened a major new production site in Mexico City.
The move represents a deliberate step to increase manufacturing capacity in North America while strengthening the company's worldwide reach.
Bringing production closer to customers
By situating its newest facility in the centre of Mexico, Checkpoint Systems is set to improve proximity to its North American customer base, supporting faster delivery times and leaner supply chain operations.
RFID technology, which enables real-time tracking of goods using electromagnetic fields, continues to see growing demand across multiple sectors, especially retail and industrial manufacturing.
Ben Lilienthal, President of Checkpoint Systems, outlines the thinking behind the move: "Our investment in this facility reflects our dedication to innovation, operational excellence and providing unmatched value to our customers.
"By establishing a presence in Mexico, we are reinforcing our ability to deliver cutting-edge RFID solutions faster and more efficiently than even before."
Checkpoint Systems sees the new plant as a direct response to expanding market requirements.
RFID inlays – thin pieces of material embedded with data-transmitting chips – are essential components in digital inventory systems. This investment helps customers gain quicker access to these components while enhancing supply chain agility.
Factory built for scale and efficiency
Checkpoint's new facility spans 10,000 square metres and includes the latest manufacturing systems. Its key output will be blank, printed and encoded RFID inlays, with an annual production capacity of 4.2 billion units.
These inlays, which can be embedded into product labels, offer item-level tracking capabilities that retailers and logistics firms increasingly rely on.
Inside the factory are advanced machines for bonding, converting and personalising inlays, allowing the site to offer both high-volume and flexible production depending on customer needs. The plant is also certified under SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) and FSC CoC (Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody), meeting recognised ethical and sustainability standards.
Further expanding its scope, the site includes complete printing and converting operations, enabling Checkpoint Systems to adjust RFID labels for different formats and industry uses without sending components elsewhere. The in-house combination of printing, encoding and converting makes it one of the few facilities globally offering such integration in RFID production.
Christian Haider, Director of Plant Operations, emphasises the site's key role: "This new facility is a testament to our commitment to advanced manufacturing and quality production.
"With state-of-the-art technology and a highly skilled workforce, we are well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for RFID inlays and deliver superior products to our customers."
Network strength and local impact
Checkpoint Systems operates as part of the wider CCL Industries group, which has more than 200 plants worldwide. This gives the company a large-scale production footprint to meet customer demand across various geographies.
The US$40m Mexico City plant adds further capacity to an already-robust network, supporting more agile supply chain operations. Alongside increased output and responsiveness, the project creates 100 jobs in the region, supporting wider community development.
The combination of economic impact and manufacturing capability positions the plant as a key element of Checkpoint Systems’ global strategy.
As demand for RFID solutions continues to grow across sectors, the new facility strengthens Checkpoint Systems' ability to meet these needs effectively while maintaining production quality and responsiveness.