About Us

Founded in 1974, Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Fargo Electronics, Inc. is a global leader in the development of secure technologies for identity card issuance systems, including secure ID card printer/encoders, materials and software.

Fargo merged with a wholly owned subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY’s HID Global Corporation in August, 2006. HID is a leading supplier and manufacturer in the access control industry, serving customers worldwide with proximity and contactless smart card technologies; central station managed access controllers; secure and custom card solutions; digital identity and photo card management software solutions; and electronic cylinders.

Customers and Applications

Fargo has sold more than 140,000 systems in over 80 countries worldwide. Fargo card issuance systems reduce vulnerabilities and the potential loss of time, money and lives by continually improving the security of identity credentials.

Customers of our card identity systems create personalized cards for a wide variety of applications including:

• Corporate:  Access control; time and attendance tracking; employee identification; parking passes; visitor management.
• Education:  Faculty and student identification, stored value for bookstores and cafeterias; library cards; dorm and equipment access.
• Transportation:  Bus and train passes; airport security; employee identification.
• Trade and professional associations:  Membership identification, loyalty and discount cards.

Technology

Fargo offers two distinct printing technologies: High Definition Printing™ (reverse image) for high-level security and large applications especially when smart cards are used, and Direct-to-Card (dye-sublimation), the most commonly used ID card technology for low- to mid-level security applications.

Fargo's approach to innovation enables easy integration of new technologies into existing systems, so that they function at the highest, most efficient level possible. Fargo also invests significant resources in new product development and now has 70 patents issued or approved, with 60+ additional patent applications pending in the U.S.

Sales and Marketing

Fargo markets and sells products through a distribution channel of independent distributors and professional integrators dedicated to providing ongoing sales and service for Fargo systems in the identification and security industries.

Fargo’s dual-brand strategy offers choice and value to customers across the range of ID security needs. At the entry level, Persona® by Fargo is a line of simple, reliable, affordable card printers for customers who need sharp, durable cards with a modest level of security and card technology. Persona printers are offered through a non-restrictive distribution program for the entry-level to mid-range ID card printer market.

For mid- to high-end enterprise and government applications where security is crucial, Fargo's self-branded professional series includes Secure Printer/Encoders, Secure Materials and Secure Software are integrated into solutions including physical access, biometrics, multi-application software, logical access, time and attendance and more.

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For directions to Fargo headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, click here »