Wincor Nixdorf eyes Asia for growth

SINGAPORE--Asia is taking on a central role in Wincor Nixdorf's global strategy, starting with the production of the company's first ATM (automatic teller machine) developed in Singapore.

According to a company statement Friday, the company also plans to open a new logistics center in the island-state, slated for operation by early 2008.

Eckard Heidloff, president and CEO of Wincor Nixdorf, said: "Singapore has developed from a production location into the nerve center of our Asian business activities."

Asia is Wincor Nixdorf's fastest-growing market for hardware, software and service. The German IT manufacturer plans to increase its current net sales of US$286 million over the next few years, and is projecting a 30 percent net sales growth from the region comprising the Asia-Pacific and Africa this fiscal year.

Wincor Nixdorf also plans to open a subsidiary company in India with its Indian partner AGS in October, said Lim Khoon Hong, president for Asia-Pacific, Wincor Nixdorf.

Together with AGS, Wincor Nixdorf has installed various ATMs in India, including a biometric ATM which replaces the PIN with a thumb impression, and an ATM with a simplified interface for use in rural areas.

Currently ranked fourth in the world for ATM shipments and fifth for EPOS (electronic point-of-sale) systems, Wincor Nixdorf's is gunning for a place among the top three.