HP and Secap Announce Collaborative Effort to Use Inkjet Technology in Mail-Processing Industry

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Nov 29, 1999

Hewlett-Packard Company, the worldwide leader in inkjet printing and imaging technology, and Secap, one of Europe's premier manufacturers of mailing systems, Monday announced a business and technical agreement for the use of HP inkjet technology and HP inkjet print cartridges in Secap's latest generation of mailing-system products.

The first Secap products to use HP inkjet technology will be the DP200 and DP400 digital franking machines. Businesses use franking machines, also called postage meters, instead of individual stamps for large quantities of mail. Inkjet printing technology, built-in weighing trays and the ability to store slogans are all capabilities that will be available in the new generation of digital franking machines.

"For HP, the alliance with Secap will significantly increase the number of mailing-system products featuring HP inkjet technology in Europe," said Clay Higgins, mail-printing business manager for HP's Specialty Printing Systems Operation.

"This agreement will bring powerful, secure, high-quality and economical printing technology to our customers," said Yves Coue, general manager of Secap. "HP inkjet technology is playing an important role in helping us roll out the next generation of postage metering."

"This agreement reflects Fimalac's commitment to developing new technologies, and our focus on research and development is a key for future expansion," said Marc de Lacharriere, chairman of Fimalac Group, Secap's parent company.

HP's Specialty Printing Systems Operation (SPS) was formed to license and apply HP inkjet technology to markets not currently addressed by HP. Information about SPS is available on the Web at http://www.hp.com/oeminkjet.> Secap is a leading European Mailing Systems manufacturer that includes Postage meters, table top folder inserters and other mailroom equipment. Secap is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fimalac. Visit Secap's web site at www.secap.fr.

Fimalac is a diversified listed Group owned and controlled by Marc de Lacharriere. Mainly focused on business to business, it also has interests in rating business with Fitch-Ibca, chemical products storage with LBC, and tools equipment with Facom.

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services for business and home -- is focused on capitalizing on the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services.

HP plans to launch Agilent Technologies as an independent company by mid-calendar 2000. Agilent consists of HP's test and measurement, semiconductor products, chemical analysis and healthcare solutions businesses, and has leading positions in multiple market segments.

HP has 83,200 employees worldwide and had total revenue from continuing operations of $42.4 billion in its 1999 fiscal year. Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.